Importance of cultivating problem-solving skills for students’ development
Think of how we have been tested for analytical abilities from the time we were babies to the date. From small things like learning how to utter the first word, to taking the first steps, to bigger things like applying for a job or deciding which investment to make. Each task had its challenges and, with practice, the ones that seemed like a big issue went on to become the least difficult for us.
In theoretical language, problem-solving includes – Identifying the problem, researching, analyzing, and decision-making. We figure out how to simplify our daily routine subconsciously with these steps itself. Unlike Thomas Edison who failed 9999 times to refine a bulb, in an era when he had the bare minimum resources to accomplish the task, we are served with tons of information and our life has been way easier with means available in all forms around us. And yet, changing times invite new problems.
With the abundance of information comes confusion and difficulty to gauge reliability. The complications of the 21st century differ from the things that bothered people ages ago. Edison managed to bring technical reformation with curiosity and grit but also because he had developed terrific problem-solving ability with every failure that he faced throughout the process. How good it would be if we learn this persistence and skill to come up with different solutions since childhood, in a way that is also relevant to this era? Immensely! Start them young as the saying goes, schools are the best spaces to sharpen these skills even more.
Benefits of problem-solving skills
Enhance academic performance
This includes how to surpass the fear of maths than the actual numerical. How do you deal with the nervousness pinching your heart when you feel the pressure of not understanding a thing about a subject but you have to score enough to pass the exam?
Problem-solving skills include having the cognitive ability to overcome our mental barriers during the learning process as well. It is important to understand what methods work for every individual. Each kid has a different way of understanding, and it should be treated likewise. The facilitators should consider imbibing fun techniques of teaching a concept, like practical games to teach science, ethnographic visits, the use of art forms, and other interactive methods to resolve the issue. This leads to students gaining interest in seeking more. The same practices tend to be followed in adulthood as well.
In any case, the students should address a few questions as follows:
- What is the challenge?
- What possible solutions can I see right now to overcome it?
- Who can help me with a workable solution?
In any case, students need to be assured that they can work through it. It is the teachers who can ensure that they feel this often.
Boost self-confidence –
Acquiring different methods and tools to accomplish a certain task, and implementing them repetitively, is a way of building confidence in students. Assertiveness is itself a source to get things done with ease. Students who have the self-esteem and will to accomplish targets would perform way better even if they are slow learners or not talented enough.
Schools that promote finding creative and constructive solutions, are open to queries from students, support their curiosity, and make them participate in structuring the learning modules, will always help in making children better solutionist.
Navigate through the real world better –
With better problem-solving skills, students will be able to flourish well after getting out of the secure and comfortable school environments. It is often observed that kids find it difficult to deal with practical situations once they enter adult life because most of the time conventional education does not allow them to be process-oriented but rather focuses on results and marks.
A narrow perspective causes more hindrances later on. Great problem-solving skills built good endurance capabilities as well. This goes a long way in the job-seeking procedure and handling different responsibilities with great skill sets.
Vidyanchal highschool incorporates different kinds of activities right from community engagements like market operations, artsy, and athletic events as well as competitive academic exams like olympiads to promote the overall development of students. It offers experiential learning.
Teachers and staff are aligned with this approach and ensure that kids get the most out of these pursuits and develop great problem-solving abilities. We believe and aim to provide a space that nurtures these skills and creates future torch-bearers who would make this world a better place to live in.