Problem-Solving Skills for University Success from Coursera

In this course, you will learn how to develop your Problem Solving and Creativity Skills to help you achieve success in your university studies. After completing this course, you will be able to:

1. Recognise the importance and function of problem solving and creative thought within academic study and the role of critical thought in creative ideation.

2. Develop a toolkit to be able to identify real problems and goals within ill-defined problems

3. Recognize and apply analytical problem solving techniques

4. Recognise and apply creative problem solving techniques

5. Identify the use of creativity within and types of problems most common to your field

6. Apply learnt problem solving and creative ideation skills to a real-life context and reflect on personal learning processes

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to Problem-Solving Skills for University Success

After this module, you will be able to 1. Understand the structure & expectations of the course 2. Understand expectations about Problem-Solving within academic culture 3. Articulate the skills & dispositions needed for Problem-Solving 4. Demonstrate awareness of ethical issues related to academic integrity surrounding Problem-Solving

Categorise Problems & The Problem-Solving Process

After this module, you will be able to 1. Categorize different problems based on their type 2. Identify the different problem types most common at university 3. Recognise language associated with descriptive & analytical problem types 4. Recognise & apply the four-step problem solving process

Understanding Problems, Generating Solutions & Solution Paths

After this module, you will be able to 1. Apply strategies to help you better understand a problem & identify the goal of a problem 2. Generate ideas or approaches for solving a problem 3. Apply strategies to help you find alternative solutions 4. Recognise the place of research & evidence in problem solving 5. Identify & justify formulas, theories or outside tools required for problem solving.

Taking Creative & Critical Approaches to Solving Problems, & Evaluating Solutions

After this module, you will be able to 1. Change analogies & viewpoints to solve problems. 2. Apply a variety of forms of reasoning & thinking. 3. Employ creative techniques to the solution of problems. 4. Evaluate a number of solutions to a problem to determine the best one.

Communicating Solutions & Solving Problems in Academic Life

After this module, you will be able to 1. Communicate your solutions to problems to your audience. 2. Study for university exams, & communicate your solutions to problems in exams. 3. Deal with competing priorities at university. 4. Find solutions to problems that can occur at university.

Summative Assessment

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Introduces problem-solving skills, which are core for students to succeed in academia

Covers creative problem-solving techniques, which can be useful for finding innovative solutions

Taught by Katherine Olston and Lydia Dutcher, who are recognized for their work in problem-solving and creativity

Develops critical thinking skills, which are highly relevant to academic success

Provides a toolkit for identifying real problems and goals, which can be beneficial for students

Explicitly requires students to take other courses first as prerequisites

Reviews summary

Problem-solving strategies for university

Learners say this course is an engaging, informative, and helpful course for students who need to improve their problem-solving skills for university success. Many learners found the course to be well organized with engaging assignments and lessons that helped them understand how to approach and solve problems effectively. Many learners highly recommend this course, especially for students preparing for their university studies.

Opportunity for peer review and feedback

"I like the peer review aspect for the final assignment."

"Most important is assignment which gives an opportunity to be reviewed our own skill by our peers."

Clear, easy-to-understand instruction with well-designed lessons

"Fabulous content and very good explanation of course."

"Nice course, Students can learn right way to understand the problem and find solution."

"It was a nice presentation, bright and clear course material, easy to understand and apply, thank you very much"

Focuses on learning problem-solving skills for university

"This course helped to solve real time problems"

"I find the course very rewarding and wonderful"

"Very useful course for a university student like me."

Can be time-consuming to complete

"The course took longer than I thought it would."

"So hard to get a certificate but I also do it."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Problem-Solving Skills for University Success with these activities:

Read "Thinking and Problem Solving" by Robert J. Sternberg

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Delve into the foundational principles of thinking and problem-solving explored in Robert J. Sternberg's seminal work, gaining insights into cognitive processes and effective problem-solving strategies.

View The Creativity Conundrum: A Propulsion Model of... on Amazon

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Read through the chapters, taking notes on key concepts and theories.
Reflect on the practical applications of the ideas presented.
Discuss the book's insights with peers or a mentor.

Review classical logic

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Review the basics of classical logic, including propositional and predicate logic, to strengthen your foundation for understanding problem-solving techniques.

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Re-read lecture notes or textbooks on basic logic concepts.
Solve practice problems and exercises to test your understanding.
Attend a refresher workshop or online tutorial on classical logic.

Explore online tutorials on creative problem-solving techniques

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Expand your problem-solving toolkit by exploring online tutorials and resources that introduce creative and innovative approaches to problem-solving.

Browse courses on Lateral Thinking

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Search for reputable online platforms or tutorials on creative problem-solving.
Select a tutorial that aligns with your learning preferences and interests.
Follow the tutorial steps, engaging with the exercises and examples.
Apply the techniques you learn to real-world problem-solving situations.

Three other activities

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Participate in problem-solving study groups

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Engage in collaborative problem-solving sessions with peers, exchanging ideas, testing different approaches, and gaining diverse perspectives to enhance understanding.

Browse courses on Collaborative Learning

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Form or join a study group with classmates.
Regularly meet and discuss problem-solving techniques and strategies.
Work together to solve problems, providing feedback and support.
Share and discuss different perspectives and approaches.

Complete problem-solving worksheets

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Engage in regular practice of problem-solving techniques through dedicated worksheets, honing your analytical and creative thinking abilities.

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Obtain problem-solving worksheets from the course materials or online resources.
Set aside dedicated time for practicing problem-solving.
Work through the problems methodically, applying the techniques you've learned.
Review your answers and identify areas for improvement.

Develop mind maps for problem-solving

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Create visual mind maps to represent problem-solving strategies and techniques, enhancing your ability to organize and recall information.

Browse courses on Mind Mapping

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Identify a specific problem-solving technique or concept.
Brainstorm and write down all related ideas, subtopics, and examples.
Organize the ideas into a hierarchical structure using branches and sub-branches.
Add visual elements, such as colors, images, or symbols, to enhance comprehension.

Career center

Learners who complete Problem-Solving Skills for University Success will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Quality Assurance Analyst

Quality assurance analysts are responsible for ensuring that products and services meet quality standards. They test products, investigate complaints, and identify and resolve quality issues. The Problem-Solving Skills for University Success course can help you develop the skills needed to be a successful quality assurance analyst, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and research methods.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Analyst

User Experience Designer

User experience designers create the look and feel of websites, apps, and other digital products. They work with users to understand their needs and create products that are easy to use and enjoyable to use. The Problem-Solving Skills for University Success course can help you develop the skills needed to be a successful user experience designer, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and visual design.

See salaries and explore the career path for User Experience Designer

Project Manager

Project managers plan, organize, and oversee the implementation of projects. They are responsible for ensuring that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. The Problem-Solving Skills for University Success course can help you develop the skills needed to be a successful project manager, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and project management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Software Engineer

Software engineers design, develop, and test software applications. They work with clients to understand their needs and develop software that meets those needs. The Problem-Solving Skills for University Success course can help you develop the skills needed to be a successful software engineer, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and programming.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Data Analyst

Data analysts collect, clean, and analyze data to help businesses make better decisions. They often use statistical techniques to identify trends and patterns in data, and they may also develop predictive models to help businesses forecast future outcomes. The Problem-Solving Skills for University Success course can help you develop the skills needed to be a successful data analyst, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and data analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Web Developer

Web developers create and maintain websites. They work with clients to understand their needs and develop websites that meet those needs. The Problem-Solving Skills for University Success course can help you develop the skills needed to be a successful web developer, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and web development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Product Manager

Product managers are responsible for the development and launch of new products and services. They work with engineers, designers, and marketers to bring products to market that meet the needs of customers. The Problem-Solving Skills for University Success course can help you develop the skills needed to be a successful product manager, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and project management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Operations Manager

Operations managers oversee the day-to-day operations of businesses. They are responsible for planning, organizing, and controlling the activities of their teams to ensure that businesses run smoothly and efficiently. The Problem-Solving Skills for University Success course can help you develop the skills needed to be a successful operations manager, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and project management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Manager

Consultant

Consultants advise clients on a wide range of business issues, including problem-solving, strategy, and operations. They often work with clients to identify problems, develop solutions, and implement those solutions. The Problem-Solving Skills for University Success course can help you develop the skills needed to be a successful consultant, such as analytical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity.

See salaries and explore the career path for Consultant

Risk Manager

Risk managers identify, assess, and manage risks to businesses. They develop and implement strategies to mitigate risks and protect businesses from financial loss. The Problem-Solving Skills for University Success course can help you develop the skills needed to be a successful risk manager, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and data analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Risk Manager

Technical Writer

Technical writers create documentation for software, hardware, and other technical products. They work with engineers and other technical experts to understand the products and develop documentation that is clear and easy to understand. The Problem-Solving Skills for University Success course can help you develop the skills needed to be a successful technical writer, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and writing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Market Researcher

Market researchers conduct research to understand consumer behavior and trends. They use this information to help businesses develop new products and services, and to target their marketing campaigns more effectively. The Problem-Solving Skills for University Success course can help you develop the skills needed to be a successful market researcher, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and research methods.

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Systems Analyst

Systems analysts design, develop, and implement computer systems. They work with clients to understand their needs and develop systems that meet those needs. The Problem-Solving Skills for University Success course can help you develop the skills needed to be a successful systems analyst, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and project management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst

Business Analyst

Business analysts identify and solve business problems. They work with businesses to understand their needs and develop solutions that improve efficiency and effectiveness. The Problem-Solving Skills for University Success course can help you develop the skills needed to be a successful business analyst, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and data analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Financial Analyst

Financial analysts provide financial advice to businesses and individuals. They analyze financial data to identify investment opportunities and make recommendations on how to manage financial resources. The Problem-Solving Skills for University Success course may be helpful in developing some of the skills needed to be a successful financial analyst, such as problem-solving and critical thinking.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst