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Key Tools for Effective Problem Solving in the Modern World

Bryan Nycollas Guimarães Paz

Ensign College

ENG 101

Valayne May

Jun 26, 2023

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Key Tools for Effective Problem Solving in the Modern World

In today's world, characterized by the abundance of information and rapid technological

evolution, the ability to solve problems becomes an essential skill. In this context, Information

Literacy, Creative Thinking, and Critical Thinking are fundamental tools to face the complex

challenges that permeate contemporary society. Information Literacy allows individuals to

access, evaluate, and use information effectively, while Creative Thinking stimulates the

generation of innovative ideas and original solutions. Critical Thinking drives reflective analysis,

reasoned argumentation, and evidence-based decision-making. Thus, the interconnection

between these three skills is essential to deal effectively with problems and promote positive

societal transformations.

When discussing problem-solving abilities, it is crucial to consider the foundation on

which individuals acquire this skill. The educational environment plays a fundamental role in a

child's holistic development, shaping their understanding of societal norms and nurturing their

initial creative aptitude, enabling them to navigate life's challenges. However, the conventional

educational model often stifles children's creative growth. In a compelling TED talk, Professor

Sir Ken Robinson emphasizes the significance of creativity. He urges schools worldwide to

recognize its value, stating that "creativity now is as important in education as literacy, and we

should treat it with the same status" (Robinson, 2006). By fostering creativity within schools,

children gain an extraordinary capacity to solve problems and unleash their innate intelligence.

Dr. Yong Zhao, in an interview titled "The Courage to be Creative," too highlights the

importance of providing opportunities for children to exercise and refine their creativity by

creating meaningful contributions that positively impact others, bettering the world, and pursuing

purposes more significant than themselves (Richardson, Henriksen & Mishra, 2017, para. 13).
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Numerous avenues exist to foster children's creativity and intelligence, yet educators

must possess the tools and know-how to leverage them effectively. A Journal article by Aman

Yadav and Steve Cooper titled "Fostering Creativity through Computing" introduces Scratch, a

device that teaches children the fundamentals of programming, game creation, and animations.

Regrettably, many teachers confine themselves to superficial presentations within the classroom,

missing out on significant opportunities for child development (Yadav & Cooper, 2017, p. 1).

Consequently, the lack of guidance and encouragement impedes the cultivation of problem-

solving skills. However, developing problem-solving abilities in children does not rest solely on

nurturing creativity; critical thinking also plays a pivotal role, necessitating educators who are

suitably equipped for the task at hand. Judith S. Nappi, in her article "The Importance of

Questioning in Developing Critical Thinking Skills," asserts, "Through the planning and

implementation of questions that require high-level thinking, educators foster the kind of

engagement and critical thinking skills that students will need to process and address new

situations" (Nappi, 2017, p. 1). The fostering of critical thinking skills empowers individuals to

approach challenges with clarity, sound reasoning, and an openness to diverse perspectives,

enabling them to make well-informed decisions and meaningfully contribute to an ever-evolving

world.

Information literacy plays a crucial role in problem-solving, complementing critical and

creative thinking. In the modern world, where information is abundant and rapidly evolving,

individuals must be able to access, evaluate, and effectively use information to address complex

challenges. Information literacy equips individuals with the skills to navigate vast amounts of

information, critically analyze its credibility and relevance, and synthesize it to generate

innovative ideas and original solutions through creative thinking. Moreover, information literacy
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enhances critical thinking by enabling individuals to evaluate evidence, question assumptions,

and engage in reflective analysis. By combining information literacy with critical thinking and

creative thinking, problem solvers can approach issues well-informedly, using reliable

information as a foundation for reasoned argumentation, evidence-based decision-making, and

inventive solutions that promote positive societal transformations.

In conclusion, in today's information-driven world, problem-solving requires information

literacy, creative thinking, and critical thinking. The educational environment should prioritize

creativity, as Sir Ken Robinson and Dr. Yong Zhao emphasized. However, problem-solving

skills rely on critical thinking, exemplified by Judith S. Nappi's emphasis on thought-provoking

questions. By combining information literacy, critical thinking, and creative thinking, individuals

can make well-informed decisions, make meaningful contributions, and promote positive social

change academically and professionally.

Word Count: 667

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References

Nappi, J. S. (2017).The importance of questioning in developing critical thinking skills. Delta

Kappa Gamma Bulletin, International Journal for Professional Educators, 84(1).

Retrieved July 11, 2020.

Richardson C., Henriksen, D., & Mishra, P. (2017, September 6). The courage to be creative: An

interview with Dr. Yong Zhao. TechTrends: Linking Research & Practice to Improve

Learning, 61(6). Retrieved July 11, 2020.

Robinson, K. (2006). Do schools kill creativity? [Video]. TED.

https://www.ted.com/talks/sir_ken_robinson_do_schools_kill_creativity/up-next

Yadav, A., & Cooper, S. (2017, February). Fostering creativity through

computing. Communications of the ACM, 60(2), 31+. https://link-gale-

com.ezproxy.ensign.edu/apps/doc/A480964772/PPBE?u=byuldsbc&sid=bookmark-

PPBE&xid=0f529f40
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1.

Highlight in yellow where the author defines and Nycollas defines problem solving as

applies Problem Solving as defined by Ensign information literacy, creative thinking, and
College. Is there anything missing from the critical thinking as being necessary in
definition or application? solving problems. He supports this by
describing the importance of making well
Defining concepts can vary from person to person; informed decisions, meaningful
how do they define Problem Solving and SUPPORT contributions and prompting positive social
that definition? change.

Highlight in green where the author discusses the

three characteristics of Problem Solving: critical and
creative thinking and information literacy. Does the
author explain the questions in the prompt? 
Lit Reviews should define concepts and explain
WHY they are important/applicable.

1.
1.
1. Why should
students adopt
the characteristics
of Problem
Solving outlined The author explains the questions
by the college's throughout the essay and states how to use
College-Wide Cap those concepts and how to further goals.
abilities (those
characteristics
are critical/creativ
e thinking
and information
literacy)?
2. What applications
can students
make with
Problem Solving
to their
future career or
academic goals?

Some of this information comes from

Highlight in red any place the author use logos or quotes while others are opinions.
ethos to argue his/her point. (APA citations should
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be at the end and throughout paragraphs). 

Are compelling facts or quotes from
experts persuasively presented?

Highlight in pink any content that is too

argumentative. Paragraphs should present
information in an expository (informational) tone
I did not find anything that was
as appropriate to a Literature Review.
argumentative.
Instead of openly advocating a specific position,
literature reviews present a point of view by
connecting relevant ideas from sources.

Highlight the first sentence of each paragraph in

orange. Is each of these sentences good topic
sentences? Does each paragraph have 3-4 supporting
sentences containing data, facts, or examples? Do *Didn’t have orange so I used grey.
all the supporting sentences stay on topic? 
All paragraphs started out strong with at
Literature reviews are research-dense. least 4 sentences and have good support
Avoid including your own opinion. You containing facts and information.
will transition between sources, explain
quotations and information, and create topic
sentences that synthesize the information.

Highlight in purple any confusing details

or information that could be left out or clarified.  I thought the essay flowed nicely and that
there wasn’t anything unnecessary.
Leave out any tangents or excessive detail.

Highlight in blue any grammar errors or

awkward sentences that make the text difficult Grammar seems to have no errors.
to understand.
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