Creative Problem Solving Model

Problem solving is something which we have to do right from our childhood to our graduation and post graduation courses. Problem solving techniques are also useful even in our professional life when we have to deal with emergencies and difficult situations. Creative problem solving activities should be given great importance in educational institutions by organizing quizzes, asking students to solve riddles, puzzles and mathematical sums. Problem solving techniques are useful in each field of education and in common life too. Before we acquaint ourselves with the Parnes creative problem solving model and Osborn Parnes creative problem solving model, let us know the general method of problem solving in the next section.

General Techniques of Problem Solving

Grasp the Problem Well
In the different problem solving activities, grasping the real meaning of the problem is very important to solve it successfully. If you observe, most people who have come up with wrong answers for a problem are those who haven't understood the meaning of the problem itself. Till we understand what we have to find a solution for, how can we arrive at the correct results?

Trial and Error Method
The trial and error method can be used to solve many problems successfully The best part of this method is that it gives us the final answer in a very less time as compared to the other techniques of problem solving. When we are solving questions having multiple choices, this method is the most useful to decide which answer is the right one among the given choices. This method is widely used to solve problems in competitive examinations such as management entrance tests.

Brainstorming
Brainstorming involves working on a particular problem in a group in such a way that each member of the group suggests solutions after conducting detailed research. The chances of cracking the problem are high, with this method, as many people participate in the process and share their concepts and ideas.

Understanding Root Cause of the Problem
Many times, solving a problem is not possible because we tend to drift away from the cause of the problem. We should first of all sit and analyze why the problem has occurred, to find a good and permanent solution for it. Again, this can be among the group problem solving activities which can give fast and great results.

Dividing the Problem
Many creative problem solving models have suggested this strategy of dividing the given problem into separate parts to solve it easily. Many times, if a problem is too big or complicated, we tend to waste time thinking on it. At this time, converting the problem into a few simple multiple problems and finding solutions to them individually will take us closer to the final answer fast. So, attempt this method for good results!

Creative Problem Solving Model

The Osborne-Parnes Creative Problem Solving model is very famous and has six important steps. Let us know them one ofter the other:

• Objective or mess finding
• Fact finding
• Problem finding
• Idea finding
• Solution finding
• Acceptance finding

In the first step known as objective finding, we have to know our goals well and define them clearly. This will lay a strong foundation for the further action. In the fact-finding step, we have to gather information from all sources available to solve our problem successfully. In the third step known as problem finding, we actually have to clarify the given problem completely. The fourth step of idea finding is all about developing and inventing ideas which can be probable solutions for the problem. Fifth step of solution finding involves the activity of selecting and making the solution of the problem permanent while the acceptance finding step involves a plan or action to be implemented. This problem solving method will be beneficial mostly for the managerial students and people holding managerial positions in office as it assists a lot in decision-making.

The above mentioned problem solving steps, if used smartly, can help find solutions to any problem. Creative problem solving activities for kids can train them for potential problems later in life, besides helping them in their school work. The creative problem solving model is easy to understand and easier to implement if you take keen interest and passion in your task. So, all the best for the problem solving sessions!