Chapter 11

1. Problem solving is intertwined with other processes including "attention, memory, and decision making." Attention cannot be divided when problem solving or it will not be completed to the ability of the one solving the problem (divided attention). When placing the information into one's working memory, one must properly store and organize the information based on useful and not useful information just as we categorize information into our semantic memory. Mental images also play a key role in problem solving with visual perception with the features the images hold by using symbols and visual (written) representation to solve a problem. The visual representation of graphs, diagrams, and pictures allows those as visual learners to conceptualize the process and find an outcome.
2. I am still not clear on which problem solving strategy is the better strategy? Again, I feel as if the 3 given do not address my lower students because the three processes appear to be more higher level thinking. My kids do see it as it comes (they surely don't begin with the end in mind) but I still don't believe they have the critical thinking skills to figure out how to problem solve. They are used to their parents feeding them the answers so where is that strategy?! Where do my low reading kids fit?Does it depend on the type of problem, one's learning style or personality?
3. As far as the creativity section applies, it just continues to reinforce that intrinsic motivation is more effective that extrinsic motivation because extrinsic decreases creativity and I need to be aware of that because I want to foster creativity in my classroom. It was also eye opening to see that attention is important in problem solving because I believe that is where my students struggle and it explains why their problem solving is lacking due to their attention struggles. I am more aware of this and will now try to combat this in my room to create more opportunities to build problem solving skills in reading.