Definition: The practice of working through an issue or a misunderstanding by identifying the problem first, then going through a developed process to find the solution to fix it.

 

Criteria: 

• The problem is identified before taking any other measures

• Must be certain of what the problem is before proceeding

• Persistence in finding the solution 

• Knowing the importance of the problem and it’s solution

 

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Evaluation of Artifact:

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        My journal is one of my most valued possessions, especially when it comes to problem solving. Not only does it give me the power to write down all my thoughts, but it also gives me access to reflect on them. One of the most important facts of life that I have come to discover in college is how truly effective writing can be. It keeps me sane and helps me to uncover my problems and dissect them through internalizing. There have been times in college when something was bothering me on a particular day, but I couldn’t quite grasp what it was. So, as soon as I get the chance, I write everything down that I can think of from that day or week. Then I examine what I’ve written down and think about why those thoughts or experiences from that day were significant enough for me to write down. 

        One day in particular, I recall writing about school and mentioning being frustrated with myself for not trying hard enough to achieve a higher grade in one of my classes. This was a difficult problem to address, but I identified the problem as a lack of motivation on my part. From there, I thought of what motivates me as a person and the reasons for why I needed to do well and the reasons why I wanted to do well in that class. I thought long and hard about the steps I needed to take in order to reach a solution that would encourage me to try harder and to do better in school as a result. My journal has helped me to practice being self-aware and holding myself to a higher standard. Most importantly, it is one of the key ways in which I can use problem solving to find solutions to problems I wasn’t aware of before.

       After many years of keeping a reflective journal, I have come to this conclusion about why it provides me with such solace during difficult times and such clarity during times of confusion. In years to come, I will always keep a journal as a way to lay out my thoughts and to better understand myself. I believe that this same practice can be done without a journal too, especially when working with other people. Just as I have trouble understanding my own thoughts and predicaments, I will also have trouble understanding other people or working through an difficult situation. Both personally and professionally, I see reflection as the key to attaining clarity. Whether that be laying out my thoughts for others to see or working through a problematic issue with a group of people, I will always gain a better understanding that I previously had.