One of the best ways to help students succeed in learning computer science is by teaching them how to solve problems effectively. This skill is important because it helps students tackle more difficult challenges as they continue their studies in computer science.
At Code.org, we use a simple four-step method called the Puzzle Solving Recipe to make problem-solving easier and more fun. Let’s explore these steps together!
Before jumping into solving a puzzle or challenge, it’s important to really understand what the problem is about. You can do this by explaining the problem in your own words or thinking about similar problems you’ve solved before. This helps you get a clear picture of what needs to be done.
Once you understand the problem, it’s time to plan how you will solve it. Think about the steps you need to take and the order in which you will do them. Having a plan makes it easier to know where to start and what to do next.
Now it’s time to put your plan into action! As you work through the steps, you might face some challenges. If that happens, don’t worry! It’s okay to change your plan if needed. Keep trying and don’t give up, because persistence is a big part of being successful in computer science.
After solving the problem, take a moment to check your work. Make sure everything is correct. Then, think about what you learned from solving this problem. Discuss with others what you discovered about computer science and problem-solving in general.
Using these steps can help you succeed not only in computer science but also in solving problems in everyday life. Problem-solving is a valuable skill that you can use in many different situations.
How do you solve problems in your classroom or at home? Share your ideas with us on Twitter at @teachcode.
Gather in small groups and choose a simple problem to solve. Each group member will take turns explaining the problem in their own words. After everyone has shared, discuss as a group to ensure everyone understands the problem clearly. This will help you practice Step 1: Understand the Problem.
Imagine you are planning a treasure hunt. Create a step-by-step plan to find the treasure, including the order of steps and any tools you might need. Share your plan with the class and see if others can follow it to find the “treasure.” This activity reinforces Step 2: Make a Plan.
Using a simple coding platform like Scratch, create a basic animation following your plan. As you code, you may encounter challenges. Adapt your plan as needed and keep trying until your animation works. This activity focuses on Step 3: Perform and Perfect the Plan.
Pair up with a classmate and exchange your completed projects. Check each other’s work for accuracy and completeness. Discuss what you learned from the project and how you might improve next time. This activity emphasizes Step 4: Check Your Work.
Think of a problem you face in your daily life, like organizing your study time or managing chores. Apply the Puzzle Solving Recipe to create a plan and solve the problem. Share your experience with the class, highlighting how the steps helped you. This activity connects problem-solving skills to real-life situations.
One important thing you can do to help your students succeed with the CS Fundamentals course is to encourage them to develop their own problem-solving process. A metacognitive approach to tackling complex problems is something your students can rely on repeatedly as their computer science studies become more challenging.
At Code.org, we like to teach a four-step problem-solving process, which we call the Puzzle Solving Recipe:
**Step 1: Understand the Problem**
When introducing a puzzle on Code Studio or a challenge in an unplugged lesson, help your students deeply understand the problem before they begin to solve it. This can be done by asking students to restate the problem in their own words or make connections to problems they’ve solved in the past.
**Step 2: Make a Plan**
Before your students attempt a solution, have them create a strategy for how they will get there. What steps will they need to take, and in what order?
**Step 3: Perform and Perfect the Plan**
Now have your students put their plan into action. While they’re working through their strategy and encountering obstacles, remind them to revisit their initial understanding of the problem. Let them know that it’s okay to make changes to the plan as needed, and encourage persistence, as it is key to being a successful computer scientist.
**Step 4: Check Your Work**
Once they’ve solved the problem, have your students go back and check their work. Then, discuss the problem-solving experience with the class. What did they learn about computer science from this specific problem, and what did they learn about problem-solving in general?
Scaffolding CS Fundamentals puzzles and lessons in this way helps your students experience success with challenging content. Additionally, these problem-solving strategies are not just relevant to computer science; problem-solving is a skill that can be used to tackle challenges in any aspect of your students’ lives.
How do you scaffold problem-solving in your classroom? Share your thoughts with us on Twitter at @teachcode.
Computer – An electronic device that can store and process data to perform tasks. – My computer helps me do my homework and play games.
Science – The study of how things work, including technology and computers. – In science class, we learned how computers use electricity to function.
Problem – A challenge or task that needs to be solved using logical thinking. – I encountered a problem when my code didn’t run correctly.
Solving – Finding an answer or solution to a problem. – Solving coding puzzles can be fun and educational.
Plan – A detailed proposal for doing or achieving something, like writing a program. – Before writing the code, I made a plan to organize my ideas.
Steps – Individual actions taken to complete a task or solve a problem. – I followed the steps to debug my program and fix the errors.
Check – To review or verify something to ensure it is correct. – I need to check my code for mistakes before running it.
Work – To perform tasks or functions, especially in a computer program. – I was happy to see my program work after fixing the bugs.
Code – A set of instructions written in a programming language to be executed by a computer. – I wrote some code to create a simple game on my computer.
Recipe – A set of instructions for making something, similar to how code tells a computer what to do. – Writing a program is like following a recipe to bake a cake.
