* Problem-solving is a course of action that includes seeking to understand the problem, and figuring out what information and math skills are important to use to solve the problem.
From learners’ comments, it is obvious that the process of solving problems requires an understanding of the situation. Problem-solving and communication seemed more relevant because, obviously, you have to communicate to understand the problem. You are required to know how to do problem-solving before you solve a problem. Try to understand the problem in order to solve it.
Adult learners recognize that without this understanding, the problem cannot be solved. Having no idea what you’re doing, you can t solve it. You may be able to know a formula or how to add, subtract, multiply, or divide, but don t understand and then you can t solve it.
One employer summed up the problem-solving process this way: Our philosophy in the workplace is whatever it takes. We can use whatever it takes to make it work, we will try it, and to be open to try.
* It is important for adults to have a range of strategies and tools to solve problems.
With the problem solving techniques, textbook, brain power, calculator, or whatever, then we can go through all the different equations, all the different geometry, algebra, whatever else you have, and come right down to the decimal point or what you need. You possibly won’t have to figure it out. You maybe can use a calculator or computer, use some other source to try to help you achieve your goal as far a solving your problem. You can use another kind of tool or an unconventional method. That’s why you think about how you’re going to do this. Are you going to add it up? If this is too big to add up by your hands or pen, you got to get out a computer or calculator or whatever. If you use measurements in your cooking classes every day, you have to know how many tablespoons are in a gallon, how many teaspoons are in a tablespoon. If you have six gallons, you got to know how many quarts. Use a calculator if you want, but you have to know the formula. If an instructor gives you a recipe, you have to make a decision if you are going to convert it down to a smaller amount. Having a cake mix, you have to decide if it's cheaper to make it from scratch. The above comments of learners, along with those of other learners, instructors, and stakeholders, point out that the process of problem-solving involved a variety of strategies.
* The use of calculators came up fairly often in discussions around problem-solving.
Just to be able to use the calculator, you're doing a form of problem-solving to know how to manipulate the numbers.
Learners usually have strong opinions about the use of calculators as a tool for solving problems. Some of them felt calculators were a useful tool and could be used to access information in order to solve problems and make decisions. With a calculator you press certain buttons and you know you're going to get the correct answer.
Other learners, however, felt that calculators should not be used. Everybody relies on the calculator and computers and they can't figure out anything without them.
Technology - employees, in order to be successful on the job, need to be able to select the appropriate technology and apply technology to different tasks.
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