Getting Back on Track

This week for the topic of my choice I chose to re-visit the Problem Solving strategies as I feel this is an important time during the semester to tighten up any loose ends in my subjects. I chose to use the strategy I found the most effective, One Step At a Time, in two of my courses. The courses I chose were MAT 295 and PHY 212 because I recently noticed that previous problems within the courses have resurfaced. I felt that going back to the basic problem solving techniques would give me a better outlook on the two courses, and a means to solving the problems I struggled with before.

One Step At a Time MAT 295

The One Step At a Time Strategy (shown above) helps to list a problem and determine ways to solve the problem. It is done by listing consequences of the problem and possible ways to go about solving that problem. After all the listing is done you are required to choose which option you are going to take to ensure  that the problem gets done. What I like about this strategy is that it is an evaluation of the problems you have within a course. As a kinesthetic and somewhat of a visual learner I found that this "listing" of consequences and possible to do's allowed me to gain a clear view of what needed to be done. I also created solutions that were plausible so that I knew I would get them done.

One Step At a Time PHY 212

For my Calculus and Physics courses I noticed problems with understanding the material and test taking. Both of the classes I chose evaluate me by testing my understanding of the material. So finding solutions to misunderstandings with the material is an essential thing to do If I wish to achieve success within my classes.The consequences of these problems are very dire so I made sure to write those down so that they could serve as motivators to carrying out the possible to do's. The materials offered to me in each of the courses consists of the book and online homework sites. So to solve the problem of misunderstandings with the material I decided to take action and participate in study groups and use the book for practice problems. There are always options offered to me for help within the courses, so deciding which option to take wasn't very hard to do. I like participating in study groups as a kinesthetic learner, and teaching and asking questions within those groups helps to clear the misunderstandings I get from lecture.

For anyone struggling with understanding class material or getting better grades on tests, I recommend using this strategy to give yourself a reasonable method to going about solving these problems.