Introduction
Students get to solve various problems in class, which range from Mathematics to social issues. These problems help students to develop and apply problem solving techniques, which are essential in promoting their critical analysis of their environment along with its complexities.
Problem solving abilities are therefore very important in developing intellectuals for enrichment of the society. It transforms student learning techniques into participative rather than passive recipients when it comes to creation of understanding.
Students develop capacity to Apply problem solving skills whenever faced with unexpected occurrences or situations in a timely manner. Real world problems are usually different from class problems, this call on students to recollect and transform their problem solving skills into solution for real world problems.
This paper will explore two real world problems and provide persuasive as well as scientific thinking solutions to them (Harris, 2002, p. 1).
Problem solving techniques are those skills used to solve life problems. They refer to an individual’s ability to reason both inductively and deductively, as well as be able to apply logic which can help that individual to infer problems, analyze and think critically.
These problems may require solutions arising from different elements such as persuasive thinking as well as scientific thinking, among others. Most problem solving processes involve the following stages; problem identification, analysis, generation of potential solutions, testing of solutions and evaluating the outcome.
In order to ensure that these methods are well applied, one needs to critically analyze the problem encountered. The following is an illustration of problems and their solutions (Harris, 2002, p. 1).
Problem 1
Real world problems are numerous and people face them each day as they require instant solutions. In this part, we shall study a problem whose solution is based on persuasive thinking. For instance, environmental pollution has been an issue that demands solution.
Every green movement tries to make known to us the need for saving our environmental. This is a problem we encounter in every part of the world, with people disposing wastes anyhow. It is believed that human activities contribute more environmental pollution than other causes such as animal and plant wastes, among others.
These agents of pollution are many, ranging from fossil fuels that release greenhouse gases, which have been faulted for the depletion of the ozone layer.
Other agents include pollution of lake and rivers, deforestation, and charcoal burning, among others. It is also estimated by the Natural Resources defense council that global warming is set to increase by over 1o Celsius even before the completion of 21st century.
This problem poses threat to our lives and the lives of our children. It therefor requires solution and an immediate one to help reduce its risks (Harris, 2002, p. 1).
Solution: Persuasive Thinking
In the situation above, the world is faced by an imminent disaster in global warming, because of increased environmental pollution. For persuasive thinking, one aspect that has to be defined is the problem, its causes, possible solutions, advantages and disadvantages as well as the choice or path taken.
The problem in this case is pollution of the environment; environment is continually getting worse with great effects already felt all over the world. The effects include unpredictable weather, Global warming, shortened life expectancy, famine, drought and increased spread of diseases, among others.
Its advantages include, making work easier for man in terms of transport, Machinery, and many more. When these effects are compared, we find that, the disadvantages are numerous and adverse to the survival of life, which includes the human race on earth. In essence, it has to be mitigated.
The next step is finding possible solutions, which include stopping the release of greenhouse gases, afforestation and conservation of our environment. Since human activities cannot stop as their lives also depend on it, the other possible solutions include investing on alternative energy sources.
Therefore solution to this problem out of persuasive thinking would be to conserve our environment. It starts with us and without action our survival is threatened (Poole, 2006, p. 1).
Problem 2
This part will study a problem whose solution is based on scientific thinking. For instance, a young couple that do not want children and yet they also never want to use protection.
Their reason for not wanting children is that they are still young and unstable financially to support one, however, in the future when they are stable they’ll need. So the problem is preventing unwanted pregnancy in a couple, and they require a scientific thinking to solve it (Harris, 2002, p. 1).
Solution: Scientific Thinking
In the problem above, the issues are identified as ways of preventing unwanted pregnancies within a marriage setting. The first step involves understanding the problem and then gathering information and research on the same. For instance, a research from, women on waves, provides several researched solution to this problem.
These include, Total abstinence (100% protection), which is impossible for married couple, and use of contraceptives. The latter option is contraceptives, in which there are several methods with different rates of protection.
These include use of diaphragm-80% (type and estimated percentage effectiveness), Emergency contraceptives-75%, surgical sterilization-99%, Intrauterine device-99%, implant-99%, injection-99%, oral contraceptives-95%, female condom-79% and male condom-86%.
These are methods that have been researched and proved medically, using scientific techniques. Since they need a child in the future, sterilization is out of question, they can then use oral contraceptives, implant or injection. And since oral contraceptives have been proved to have some side effects, then implant would be wise for the couple (Women on Waves, 2011, p. 1).
Summary
Problem solving techniques or skills are very essential in aiding individuals to provide quick solutions to their everyday needs. These need critical thinking, inference and analysis which can only be mastered by intellectuals and critical think-tanks, Persuasive thinking involves the use of critical thinking to bring out logic on a problem.
The logic inferred should be used to persuade others to follow that idea. It also involves persistence, and this convinces people that you have faith and knowledge of the idea. Individuals pursuing persuasive thinking must provide the advantages and disadvantages of their solutions before deciding on it.
It is also imperative for that individual to provide concise and conclusive evidences on the advantages as well as the disadvantages of the chosen idea (Poole, 2006, p. 1).
In scientific thinking, we must have a thorough knowledge of the problem, study it, gather information related to it, analyze, explore possible solutions, and use credible sources along with researched ideas to decide on the best solution.
Since the couple do not want to use condoms, and they also require children in the future, implant would be their best option as it will be removed when they are ready (Women on Waves, 2011, p. 1).
Conclusion
Every problem needs a solution, people face different problems in the world, and in most cases this requires transformation of learned skills into applicable problem solving skills. Most employers are after graduates who can solve real problems as fast as possible, and this can only happen with critical thinkers.
The two methods of problem solving are different although persuasive thinking may sometimes borrow ideas from scientific thinking to prove ideas (Harris, 2002, p. 1).
Reference List
Harris, R. (2002). Problem Solving techniques. Virtual Salt. Retrieved from: https://www.virtualsalt.com/crebook4.htm
Poole, L., & Ether, S. (2006). Persuasive Thinking. Consult-IIDC Management. Retrieved from: http://www.consult-iidc.com/english/training/persuasive.htm
Women on Waves. (2011). How to Prevent Pregnancy? Women on Waves. Retrieved from: https://www.womenonwaves.org/en/page/670/safe-sex