PATTERNS OF PROBLEM SOLVING (POPS 2014-15)

PGP Elective (VI Term) - 3 Credits

Objective: This course is aimed at exposing students to human problemsolving approaches more of an exploratory kind. Students are sensitized to
different approaches by their solving a variety of problems in class.
Consequently we hope that the student gains insights and hones/develops the
required skills. This course does not entail computer-based problemsolving.
Devices such as puzzles, word puzzles, chess, and mind-games along with
elementary school mathematics (algebra and geometry) will be used in the
course. We also make use of videos. As a part of the discussion on lateral
thinking, hands-on puzzles that encourage lateral thinking will be used. In
addition, a real-world product will also be examined from the lateral
thinking perspective.
All weekly quizzes (3045 minutes duration) will be held outside the normal
sessions. The video-based quiz of two hour duration (the time slot will be
based on the convenience of the students) will also be held outside the
normal sessions.

Topic

Number of Sessions (tentative)

(One and half hour)

Systems Problem Solving

Heuristic Problem Solving

Logical Thinking (based on chess)

Unconventional Thinking

Lateral Thinking

Visual Problem Solving

Teaching Methodology: Most of the sessions will have problems (sometimes with a preamble) posed, and students will be asked to solve them in-class. Solution(s) will be
presented by the instructor. Occasionally solution directions will be hinted and they will
be asked to ponder and arrive at the solution all by themselves. Need-based discussions
will follow. Classroom guidance on a one-to-one basis (depending on the class size) will
be aimed at. There will be a few lecture/demonstration sessions.
Evaluation (tentative):
A Final Quiz of 60 (Max 90) minutes 20% weight
Quizzes of 30 (Max 45) minutes (Minimum of six) each of 10% weight
One video-based quiz of 120 minutes 20% weight

References (the list is quite large and hence this is a representative sample and only some
selections from each and that too MAY be used in the class):
(1) Problem Solving: A Systems Approach Robertshaw, et al
(2) How to Solve it George Polya
(3) Use of Lateral Thinking Edward de Bono
(4) Serious Creativity Edward De Bono
(5) Systems Thinking Gerald Weinberg
(6) Relevant problems/reference material selected from other books, magazines, and
websites
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Instructor: B.Shekar
Phone: (2699) 3093
email: shek@iimb.ernet.in