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A key skill that you will need in your work life and in any course of study that you undertake is the ability to identify and solve problems. There are many approaches to problem solving, depending on the nature of the problem and the people involved in the problem. The more traditional, rational approach to problem solving is typically used and involves a number of clear steps e.g., clarifying the problem, analysing causes, identifying alternatives, assessing each alternative, choosing one, implementing it, and evaluating whether the problem was solved or not.
Not all problems can be solved and decisions made by the rather rational approach that is identified in this short Get Skilled study tool. However, the following basic guidelines will get you started. Don't be intimidated by the length of the list of guidelines. After you've practised them a few times, they'll become second nature to you - enough that you can deepen and enrich them to suit your own needs and nature. To start finding out how to develop your problem solving skills go to: Define the Problem.
The Skills Builder Universal Framework consists of 8 essential skills that are necessary to succeed in education and work. The framework is a leading tool for measuring and building your essential skills. It breaks the 8 essential skills down into a sequence of steps, starting with absolute beginner through to mastery. Individuals can use the tools on Skills Builder to measure and improve on their skills by creating a free account.
This skill focuses on how to solve problems, recognising that while part of Problem Solving is technical know-how and experience, there are also transferable tools that individuals can develop and use.
Create a free account with Skills Builder Benchmark to get started with understanding and assessing your problem solving skills.
Create a free account with Skills Builder Launchpad to improve and build your problem solving skills.