Critical thinking can help creatively solve problems. A problem is defined as a doubtful or difficult matter requiring a solution. There is an organized approach to problem solving which includes determining the problem, alternatives, advantages and disadvantages of alternatives, selecting a solution, and evaluating how well the solution is working. This involves being clear on the specific problem, brainstorming alternatives, gathering information, selecting the most effective alternative, implementing a sequence of steps, and reviewing outcomes to improve future problem solving.

1. Solving Problems!
“Critical thinking can help creatively and
constructively solve problems”

2. What is a Problem?
 The Concise Oxford Dictionary (1995) defines
a problem as:
“A doubtful or difficult matter requiring a
solution”
“Something hard to understand or
accomplish or deal with.”

3. An Organized Approach to Problem
Solving
What is the
problem?
What are the
alternatives?
What are the
advantages/disadva
ntages?
What is the
solution?
How well is the
solution working?

4. What is the problem?
 Be clear about the problem.
 What do you know about the situation(related
to the problem)?
 Be Specific as much as possible, on what you
think the problem is.

5. What are the alternative?
 What are the boundaries?
 What are the possible alternatives?
 Brain Storming
 (In organizations different people will have different expertise in different
areas and it is useful, therefore, to hear the views of each concerned
party)
 Identify some of the alternatives you might
consider.

6. What are the
advantages/disadvantages of each
alternatives?
 What are the advantages?
 Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each of the
problems you identified
 What are the disadvantages?
 What additional information do we need?
 Gather the required and additional information related to the
problem and the solution you will select

7. What is the Solution?
 Which option should we select to solve the
problem?
 After evaluating the various alternatives, select what you think is the most
effective alternative for solving the problem
 What steps are important in it?
 Describe the sequence of steps you would take to act on the alternative.

8. How well is the solution
working?
 What is my evaluation?
 What adjustments are required?
 Monitor the outcome of the action taken.
 Review the outcomes, seek feedback, avoid
such problems in future.

9. Activity Time 
 1: Describe a situation from some few time
back when you demonstrated effective use of
the problem solving skill?
 2: What action did you have to take?
 3: What was the result of your action?