The Ideal Problem Solver

The Ideal Problem Solver: A Guide to Improving Thinking, Learning, and Creativity by John Bransford and Barry Stein is not a reflection on reaching perfection as a problem solver, but on applying a method of problem solving that corresponds to the acronym IDEAL

I = Identify problems and opportunities
D = Define goals
E = Explore possible strategies
A = Anticipate outcomes and Act
L = Look back and Learn

A fairly standard problem solving methodology with a slight change of names for each step in the methodology.

One strength of this book is the inclusion of problems and exercises. These inclusions make this book suitable for use in a classroom or workshop environment. They also provide the individual reader the opportunity to test his or her own creative problem solving abilities.

The authors state that the most important implication of problem solving is that "people who want to develop effective problem-solving skills must become effective at learning about relevant conceptual tools." (p. 33) Exploring possible strategies (E), requires learning relevant conceptual problem solving tools.

The Ideal Problem Solver: A Guide to Improving Thinking, Learning, and Creativity is divided into two parts.

PART 1: A Framework for Using Knowledge More Effectively
(This part explains and elaborates on the IDEAL methodology)
PART 2: A Model for Acquiring New Knowledge

Part 2 focuses on memorization skills, comprehension and problem-based learning.

I found the discussion of problem-based learning versus traditional applications problems to be especially helpful. The authors suggest that the current traditional applications problems style most often used in education:

1. Limits students to focusing on problem solving, rather than helping them find and define the problems to be solved.
2. Focuses on rote memorization and application of solutions out of habit.
3. Tends to ignore realistic situations and focuses on contrived word problems instead.

Possible formats that could be used to combat these limitations are:

1. Poor Scholar's Soliloquy
2. Case-Based Instruction
3. Project-Based Instruction
4. Debates
5. Simulations