Fact-based problem identification precedes problem solving

  • Authors:

  • E. Grant Eastman

  • Affiliations:

  • Department of Computer Science, Central Washington University, Ellensburg, WA

  • Venue:
  • Journal of Computing Sciences in Colleges
  • Year:
  • 2003

Quantified Score

Hi-index 0.00

Visualization

Abstract

Problem Solving has long been advocated as a skill necessary for developing and writing programs. Few problem-solving skills are included in introductory textbooks and when they are included, they usually assume a certain level of capability on the part of the student to understand the problem. Students have a difficult time handling problems presented in a narrative fashion; story problems. This work presents a method that begins the problem solving task by first analyzing the story with the intent of identifying the problem buried in the narrative format. This method separates facts necessary for the problem from the facts included to make the story interesting and believable. Evaluating these facts enables the student to identify the problem before commencing with problem solving.