Define the situation

Identify the goal

Generate ideas for reaching the goal. Select best ideas.

Make a step-by-step plan for implementing

the ideas

Take action (execute the plan).

Review the solution. Review the process.

Solidify knowledge gains.

what are the facts?what is the problem?

what results do I want?

what ideas (physics) will help me?

what steps should I take?

what next?

did I reach my goals?how I improve my process?what did I learn?

Wales/Woods Model of Problem Solving (PDM)

Classification of Problems

Decomposition: Break the big problem into small problems

Iteration. Solve problem multiple time

Simpler Problem: Redefine the problem so it is simpler and solve this.

Troubleshooting: Trace the error, then fix it.

how can I break this problem into parts?

can I go just through this and see what I learn?

can I solve a simpler problem?

where is the error occuring (what subsystem)?what is the error?

Strategies for solving problems

Type 1: Real World Problem

Type 2: Academic Exercises (given, find)

Type 3: Puzzle or challenge

how can I get started?

can I find an example?how do I get the answer?

how can I figure this out?

Problem

Problem Solving Model

what? PDM is a method for attacking real world problems; also works on academic exercises

why? solve problems better; become more aware of how to solve problems; better team work

when? * on tasks* all the time because this builds up skills

where? school, job, personal life

how to you do PDM?* ask questions* learn over time* adapt to how you do things* adapt to each context

!

task labeling: 2

situation diagram: 3problem description: 2parameter values: 3assumptions: 2properties: (fluid, T, p, source): 2

description of goal: 2symbol: 2 unit: 2

"goal-based" reasoning: 10physics (labeled eqns): 15sketches (e.g. fbd, cv, ...): 5identification of 1, 2, etc.: 5term-by-term analysis: 5#eqns = # unknowns: 5step-by-step plan: 5

grid: 10organized calcs: 8boxed answers: 2

2-4 useful ideas: 10 * implications * validation * strengths * improvements * insights

feature: importance (5 is high)

Overalllogic/reasoning (why/how): 10labeled sections (situation, goal, ideas, plan, action, review): 5concise: 5readable handwriting: 3

TipsNo waste (busy work)Use the PDM process to serve your needsLearn one part at a timeMost important part to learn is ideas/planSecond most important part to learn is reviewTo save time, stop after idea/plan

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blue text describes "what to do"

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