Forgive me for using the same word three times in the title. However, I feel it still doesn’t fully emphasize the importance of steps in problem-solving. Over my nearly 20 years of teaching in STEM, I’ve observed a concerning trend: students are increasingly showing less work when solving problems. While I understand that life has become fast-paced and many students juggle multiple responsibilities and tight schedules, skipping steps ultimately does more harm than good. It won’t save time in the long run, especially if the goal is to truly learn the subject (which I’m not entirely sure is true for many, but that is a different subject).
But why are steps important? Aren’t we just trying to solve a problem? In that sense, as long as I can find a correct solution, why bother with steps? Here are a few important reasons:
- Indicates Understanding: Showing complete steps demonstrates your grasp of the problem. As instructors, we value your understanding more than just the final answer. If your solution is wrong but your steps are logical and thorough, we can easily help you correct the mistake. However, if your steps are disorganized or illogical, it raises concerns about your comprehension. Even if you get the right answer, it might just be luck. Without a solid understanding, you might struggle with similar problems in the future.
- Error Identification: Detailed steps make it easier to spot where you might have gone wrong. This is crucial for learning, as identifying and understanding your mistakes is a key part of improving your problem-solving skills.
- Enhances Learning: Writing out each step helps reinforce your understanding and retention of the material. It allows you to see the logical progression of the solution, which can deepen your comprehension and make it easier to tackle similar problems later on.
- Partial Credit: Even if your final answer is incorrect, showing your work can earn you partial credit. This can significantly impact your overall grade and reflects the effort and thought you put into solving the problem.
By consistently showing your complete steps, you’re not only demonstrating your understanding but also building a strong foundation for future learning. Keep practicing this habit, and you’ll find it pays off in both your academic and professional endeavors!
If the steps are so important, what are the best practices in showing steps? Refer to my other post .
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