Can our students solve world problems??

This weeks reading was based on teaching and utilizing peoples natural problem solving abilities for real life issues. To go into the importance of this reading, a couple of years ago I read, or heard on NPR, that NASA is having problems hiring new people to replace the ones retiring. Everyone that they interviewed had really impressive test scores and their resume looked really good, but when asked what they did for fun or if they took apart and rebuilt things when they were younger, the answer was no. These applicants that appeared qualified for the job, NASA didn't want. They wanted people who spent their time growing up being naturally curious about the things around them and completed hands on projects to break down and rebuild something. They wanted people who followed the natural learning process of problem solving.

What is this natural learning process of problem solving? According to Methods of Teaching Agriculture, chapter 4, the learning process has 6 steps.
1) Experiencing a proactive situation
2) Defining the problem - clarifying questions to be answered
3) Seeking data and information
4)Formulating possible solutions
5) Testing proposed solutions
6) Evaluating results

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These 6 steps are how people learn and problem solve in their daily lives. Sometimes this process takes a matter of seconds when recalling data and information that you already have. Such as, a problem of how to get to the grocery store and avoid traffic. A teachers job is to harness peoples natural ability and utilize their learning process to help them to solve problems in the classroom and get them to think critically.

According to the book it can be accomplished this way

1) Interest Approach - motivate students to learn, create that want/need/interest
2) Objectives to be achieved
3) Problems to be solved - questions to be answered
4) Problem Solution
5) Testing solutions through application
6) Evaluation of solutions (assessments)

Problem solving as mentioned above, is an important skill in the work place and something employers are really looking for. Problem based learning really focuses on providing new learning experiences, leading the students to new knowledge, and reinforcing existing knowledge, according to Problem-Solving Teaching in AG ED. As I am going to be student teaching in the spring, the chapter also says that teachers use problem based learning when encouraged by their professors and cooperating teacher. As being apart of the Penn State Agricultural Education department, I believe that we are being highly encouraged to teach this way.

Principles for teaching Problem Solving, stresses to teach problem solving skill in the context they will be used and to practice with a similar problem. This will prepare the students for different levels of solving problems. The reading also breaks problem solving down into three characteristics of problem solving.

1) Problem solving is cognitive but is inferred from behavior
2) Problem solving results in behavior that leads to a solution
3) Problem solving is a process that involves manipulation of or operations on previous knowledge

If we are able to tap into our students natural ability and teach them how to problem solve, they will be one step closer to their desired future career. Problem solving will also give them a skill to use inside and outside the classroom and will be beneficial for all. As a teacher, problem solving also creates that need to learn and desire which will make your class more relevant and enriching to young minds.