Weekly Blog: Solving Problems

For my blog this week I wanted to talk about solving problems and the methods people take. Reading the pages and taking notes on the concepts and methods of solving problems, I realized that I could actually relate to or find examples of times where I have used such methods as algorithms and insight and obstacles such as fixation.

Algorithms, according to my notes, are just step-by-step directions of how to solve a problem. I would argue that everyone, sometime in their life, has used algorithms to solve a puzzle, do arithmetic equations, or even to organize their daily routine. I use algorithms in math. It helps me become error proof in my math problems and understand the concepts of such things as proofs, solving for "x", and doing trigonometry. Algorithms make it easier and organized to make correct solutions to a problem.

Insight, again I would argue, every one uses or has. Everyone, I would say, has had an obstacle, such as a challenge problem or even an answer in your head to a question on a test. I have had many moments were, in a test, I struggle for the answer on the test. I sit there and think about it until finally the AHA! moment comes along. It just makes the clouds around that thought disappear.

Along with solutions I have had obstacles. There has been many times where I have been doing a puzzle or reviewing a test where if my thought, which I was positive was right, was completely wrong and I didn't know how else to solve such an issue. Or even when you disagree with someone and you are POSITIVE you are correct, and they prove you wrong, you just feel like you just didn't know. I have that a lot as well. It really helps me learn these concepts, solutions, and obstacles when I can relate them to personal experiences.