Problem Solving Process through an Algorithmic Approach

Throughout your everyday life, you encounter problems that if solved could be impactful in society. Having a strategy for approaching problems can help you develop new insights and come up with new and better solutions. This process is generally useful for solving all kinds of problems. Also being able to utilize the computational thinking practices to decompose a specific task into smaller attainable steps to reach the end goal is important.

So in this lesson, we will tackle those approaches to solving problems by deepening our understanding of the process of solving a problem using algorithmic thinking. Think of computational thinking practices learned in this module to solve problems as well.

Problem Solving Process

What are some common steps we can use to solve many different types of problems?

How can we apply the problem solving process to many different kinds of problems?

In the activity below we will discuss the Problem Solving Process as a strategy that you can use to provide clarity to these questions.

The Problem Solving Process

Take a look at The Problem Solving Process video. Explore the problem-solving process we use in Computer Science and dive a little deeper into a few strategies to implement each step.

Dive Deeper with Computational Thinking

In order to successfully master the art of creating computational artifacts, it is important that you develop a clear understanding of the complex processes and structures that make up an algorithmic solution to a given problem. In addition, it is critical that you are able to articulate your solutions clearly.

Let’s explore a number of techniques for analyzing common problems and visualizing their solutions. They will use these techniques to investigate a number of real-world applications.

Take a look at this UTeach Computer Science AP CS Principles Unit 1 Computational Thinking video about computational thinking, demonstrating how it can be useful by developing efficient algorithmic solutions.

"Computer Science AP CS Principles Unit 1_ Computational Thinking." YouTube, uploaded by UTeach Computer Science, 28 June 2016, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpxLusH4quY. Used according to Terms of Use.

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