Books That Teach Students How To Improve Problem Solving
Problem-solving is an extremely important skill that everyone needs to develop. Whether it comes to solving academic challenges, making decisions or dealing with certain situations in life, it is important to know how to break down the issues, think critically about them and solve them. Most students rely only on the trial-and-error method. However, reading books on the subject can give them an opportunity to get acquainted with the problem-solving process and its methods.
Books on problem solving contain valuable tips, case studies, exercises and even some strategies developed by professionals that students can use while facing challenges to solve them logically, effectively and even creatively. Problem solving skills not only help boost academic performance, but also develop confidence and prepare the learner for more complex issues in life.
In this article, we will consider some of the best books that may be helpful for problem-solving and the opportunities to buy them online. We are sure that they will have many useful ideas that will help you solve a problem today.
Book 1. The Art of Problem Solving, Volume 1
Authors: Sandor Lehoczky, Richard Rusczyk,
Title: The Art of Problem Solving Volume 1
Buy here: https://www.amazon.in/dp/193412412X
It is specifically designed for those who want to develop analytical skills and become better problem solvers in mathematics. However, its strategies are useful not only for mathematical issues but also can be applied to other fields.
Interactive Tip: Try to solve a difficult problem every day, without relying on any hints in order to develop your own methods for analyzing.
Book 2. How to Solve It
Author: George Polya,
Title: How to Solve It
Buy here: https://www.amazon.in/dp/069111966X
This book describes a methodological approach that will allow you to solve any issue effectively. The author explains how to understand the problem, create a strategy, implement it and evaluate the results. In addition, he shows you how to break down complex problems into small parts. This strategy is applicable to mathematics and physics.
Tip: When facing complicated assignments, try to write down what you already know, what you need and how it is possible to solve this problem.
Book 3. Thinking in Systems
Author: Donella H. Meadows,
Title: Thinking in Systems
Buy here: https://www.amazon.in/dp/1603580557
Its main idea consists of the fact that a problem cannot be viewed as separate, as it always belongs to a big whole, whose parts work together. That is why you will learn to analyze the connections between the factors to solve a problem.
Interactive Tip: Take some problem from your routine and analyze its aspects in order to understand the whole system.
Book 4. Critical Thinking: Tools for Taking Charge of Your Learning
Authors: Richard Paul, Linda Elder,
Title: Critical Thinking
Buy here: https://www.amazon.in/dp/0132180912
It is designed to teach students to think critically, examine information and use their logic to find an optimal solution. It gives the student the possibility to learn how to solve a problem rationally and analytically and also choose the best of alternatives.
Tip: When studying, try to solve some problem using several different approaches.
Book 5. Problem Solving 101
Author: Ken Watanabe,
Title: Problem Solving 101
Buy here: https://www.amazon.in/dp/0385529175
Initially created to educate students in problem-solving basics, this guide contains useful techniques, strategies and even visual models that show students how to find problems, choose the most convenient option and act. This book will be especially helpful to novice students because of its simplicity.
Interactive Tip: You can use the decision-making model presented in the book to solve different challenges.
Why These Books Are Needed for Students
First of all, these books will help you:
Decompose complex problems into smaller parts;
Think critically about information;
Generate logical and creative solutions;
Approach problem-solving systematically;
Feel confident when facing different kinds of problems.
Making Reading Interesting
During the process of reading, you may think about:
What approaches can help me to deal with this kind of problems?
How can I apply this strategy to my future assignments?
How can I use several approaches at once?
Such analysis will allow you to use the strategies in practice rather than theory.
Application of Strategies Daily
Solve one challenging problem every day.
Analyze your approach to find the mistakes and improve them.
Exchange strategies with friends and classmate;
Document the whole process of decision-making.
Benefits That Will Become Obvious for a Student
A significant improvement of skills in solving both academic and life challenges.
Better logical and critical thinking skills;
Effective management of various tasks and activities;
Better academic performance.
Conclusion
Problem-solving skills are necessary everywhere and in everything and books considered in this article contain specific methods, strategies and advice that can be helpful in developing them.
Reading them one after another and learning the material offered in each, you can easily enhance your skills to analyze and solve different problems.
