Vincentian publishes book on developing problem solving skills in children

A book which seeks to develop problem solving skills in children has been published by a Vincentian educator.

In the book, ‘How to make children better problem solvers,’ retired teacher Elmore Edwards explores the issue of problem solving as it relates to teaching and learning.

Edwards, in a recent interview with SEARCHLIGHT said that during his 30 years as a teacher it became noticeable that even with the new thinking and thrust in education, there are still many students who are maladjusted and have difficulty coping with social problems.

“So while we have been focusing to a large extent on the academic side of teaching and learning, we have left a lot of students behind in relation to their attitude and the way they interact with their peers, the way they interact with their teachers and the way they interact, even with their parents,” he stated.

Edwards noted that children encounter problems in all aspects of the curriculum and each problem is unique to the particular child.

“And so we have to see problem solving in a broader context.”

He said while writing the book, he was challenged in trying to tailor the book to capture all age groups.

Edwards explained that in overcoming that difficulty, he zeroed in on students who are transitioning from primary to the early years of secondary school.

“So the language is tailored to meet that age group specifically. But, the problems are not unique to that age group so they would have broad applicability,” he pointed out, adding that the concepts in the book may

be applied at the early primary level and be upgraded for the students at the college level.

Edwards also stated that the book looks at the role the brain plays in learning and development.

“The theory is that some people are left brained and some people are right brained, in the sense that they think and behave using either the right side of the brain or the left side of the brain.”

Edwards added that when one side of the brain appears to be more dominant, a student who tends to be inclined to math and shapes may have difficulty dealing with language and geography, etc.

“What the book is seeking to do is to simultaneously develop both hemispheres of the brain in a very complementary way. So that the child would have a much more balanced approach to dealing with learning and development and problem solving.”

‘How to make children better problem solvers,’ will be launched next Wednesday at the Peace Memorial Hall at 5 pm.

Edwards said that he would like to have not only teachers attend the launch, but also parents.

The book is priced at $50 and may be purchased at Jujube Book store.

Edwards stated that he would also be going door-to-door island wide to sell copies of the books.