Steps Problem Discussion

There are several ways to approach this problem.

Visualize two walkers

• Imagery
• sounds and smells as well

Visualize the foot prints

• Abstract imagery

(Both of these are likely to be effective)

Other visual strategies

• Draw a diagram
• likely takes longer than the other two visual strategies

Simulate the walkers (kinesthetic)

• use fingers
• use a friend

(effective but often overlooked strategies)

Mathematically

• ie. if the ratio is 3:2, after two steps the man always ends up on his right foot. At the same time the woman has taken three steps. If she started with her right foot forward, she would now have her left foot forward, and in three more steps, she would have her right foot forward again. So would the man after taking two more step. Thus the man would have to take 4 steps before his right foot meets up with the woman's right foot. She takes 6 steps. 6:4=3:2

(will likely take longer for the less mathematically inclined)

Verbally

• Talk through the problem

(heavy emphasis in our schools, likely did not result in an answer)


How did you solve the problem?
Did you use more than one strategy?

Some problem solvers limit themselves to one approach, other jump around between approaches without spending enough time with each to develop an adequate solution.

Problem solving is a highly automated process that makes it difficult to consciously be aware of thinking as problems are being solved. With practice this thinking can be made conscious through identifying strategies used and strategies avoided.