UndergradSkiller: Skill Set Map for Undergraduates and Their Educators

CRITICAL THINKING AND PROBLEM-SOLVING: Problem-Solving and Design Thinking

Problem-Solving

Effective problem-solving begins with understanding the nature of the problem. Distinguishing between well-defined and ill-defined problems, and selecting appropriate strategies for each, is a skill that develops with practice.

Useful Resources on Problem-Solving:

Hokanson, B., & Nyboer, J. (n.d.). Creative problem solving. Coursera. https://www.coursera.org/learn/creative-problem-solving

Annotation: This University of Minnesota course focuses on developing divergent thinking and creative problem-solving skills. Includes videos, readings, and practical exercises challenging learners to change habitual patterns of behavior. Free to audit within a limited window of time.

The Open University. (2019, August 15). Problem solving and critical thinking. https://www.open.edu/openlearn/money-business/making-creativity-and-innovation-happen

Annotation: Section from The Open University's course "Making creativity and innovation happen" that covers problem-solving and critical thinking. Discusses the distinction between tame and wicked problems, the importance of understanding a problem's context, and approaches to effective problem-solving.

Peer Review: None

Table of contents:

3.1. Critical Thinking
3.1.1. Introductions to Critical Thinking
3.1.2. Developing Thinking Skills

3.2. Critical Reading and Analysis

3.3. Analysis and Argumentation

3.4. Critical Reasoning

3.5. Synthesis

3.6. Problem-Solving and Design Thinking

3.6.1. Problem-Solving

3.6.2. Design Thinking

3.7. Research Methods
3.7.1. Research Design
3.7.2. Research Ethics

3.8. Data Literacy
3.8.1. Understanding Data
3.8.2. Computational Thinking
3.8.3. Statistical and Numerical Analysis

3.9. Curiosity and Creative Thinking
3.9.1. Creative Exercises
3.9.2. Understanding Curiosity

 

Author: Leeanne Irwin

Peer Reviewer(s): None