Improving problem solving skills?

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    Problem solving Skills
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around improving problem-solving skills in physics and mathematics. Participants share their thoughts on mental processes, attitudes towards problem-solving, and the role of experience and practice in developing these skills.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant reflects on their experience as a physics major, emphasizing the importance of enjoying the problem-solving process rather than just seeking answers.
  • Another participant humorously suggests a simplistic approach to problem-solving, referencing Richard Feynman, but acknowledges its limitations.
  • A participant argues that experience and practice are essential for improving problem-solving skills.
  • There is a discussion about Feynman's unique attitude towards problems, suggesting that genuine curiosity and excitement are crucial for effective problem-solving.
  • One participant proposes that playing chess can enhance logical thinking and expose weaknesses in reasoning, contributing to better problem-solving abilities.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying views on the nature of problem-solving and the importance of attitude and experience. There is no consensus on a single effective approach, and multiple perspectives are presented.

Contextual Notes

Some participants imply that the effectiveness of different problem-solving strategies may depend on individual attitudes and experiences, which are not universally applicable.

Who May Find This Useful

Students and educators in physics and mathematics, as well as individuals interested in enhancing their logical reasoning and problem-solving skills.

audreyh
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I'm a 4th year undergraduate physics major and I've realized too much of my college career have I just tried to get to the answer, copy example patterns, and look for a systematic way to solve problems. I realize this will get me nowhere; problem solving is where the physics fun is!

What sort of mental process do you go about when approaching problems?
 
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1.Read question
2.Think very hard
3.Write down the answer
 
dontdisturbmycircles said:
1.Read question
2.Think very hard
3.Write down the answer

That only works when your name is Richard Feynman.

I realize this will get me nowhere; problem solving is where the physics fun is!

What sort of mental process do you go about when approaching problems?

IMO, experience and practice in solving problems is what makes you better at solving problems.
 
siddharth said:
That only works when your name is Richard Feynman.

You mean problems can't be solved by just thinking unless your name is Richard Feynman? :P (I know, the original quote is about Richard Feynman. :-P)
 
audreyh said:
What sort of mental process do you go about when approaching problems?

You mention problem solving and right away people think "Feynman".

My take on why he was so good at it was his attitude: he actually wanted to understand things to satisfy his own curiosity. He didn't view any of the myriad puzzles he solved during his life as "problems": irritating tasks to be fought with. To him all that kind of stuff was exiting, even exhilarating.

I am not sure a person can adopt that attitude artificially in order to be good at physics or math. The curiosity and exitement have to be natural.
 
Try chess. It opens your mind to all logical possibilities. It also exposes the chinks in your logical armor and humbles you. Can't ask much more from a simple game.
 

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