Programming for Problem Solving with Python

Problem-solving is unquestionably one of the most important skills; other skills such as writing efficient code, effective communication, working with a team, and many others, are also very important. It’s impossible to say any one skill is the MOST important. The subject of Programming for Problem Solving aims at developing problem-solving skills and the skills to create programs in any language for their implementation. Most of the books on programming teach problem-solving. Unfortunately, there are limitations on what can actually be taught. It is mostly learned by practice. The point that I wish to make is to get students to see the problem-solving process in action. For example, designing a sorting algorithm is a basic example of a “problem” that needs to be “solved”. Understanding how to implement different algorithms and select the best strategy for sorting helps you learn how to solve problems, in a very rudimentary way. Careful examination of what is covered in this type of analysis wil improve your problem-solving process. Unfortunately, most students just learn algorithms and complete the exercises, and don’t dig deeper than that. If you just read the book or notes taken in the class and implement the solution, vou aren’t learning to solve the problem. A more effective method is to read the problem, then close the book/notes and try to come up with a solution. After creating a solution on your own, go back and compare your results with what is written in the book/notes. Then vou learn how to solve problems.