Solution Fluency is the ability to think creatively to solve problems in real time by clearly defining the problem, designing an appropriate solution, delivering the solution, and then evaluating the process and the outcome.
The Process The solution fluency as a process should become a focal point of learning, so that we are able to adapt to new problems presented to us. This would require that the process be learnt and applied as often as possible until it becomes second nature, becoming an embedded skill.
The solution fluency process is as follows:
Define Defining the problem is probably the hardest past of this process. if you define it incorrectly your answer will be null and void; define it too big or too small you might eliminate too much needed information or have too much information that would cloud a possible answer.
Discover If we have a real understanding of the problem, we can be in the present, look at the past, and then consider how we got to this point. The discovery stage is a very important exploration stage of analysing the problem from all angles.
Dream With a clear understanding of where we are and how we got there, we are now able to move forward and think of solutions. This is a whole-minded process where we imagine what the solution will be in the future.
Design So the define tells us where we are now, and the dream helps us go where we want to go. The design becomes the planning of how to make the solution a reality.
Deliver This stage puts the plan into action, making the dream stage a reality. There are two components to this stage: Produce and Publish. The production can be anything. The second part is a publication where the product is presented.
Debrief
This is the evaluation process of all the steps . Did you define the problem, did you get enough information or was it the right information, was the solution a good fit to the problem, the blue print a realisation of the solution, and the presentation the answer?
Information fluency
Is the ability to critically think while engaging with, creating, and utilizing information and technology regardless of format or platform. Specifically, an information fluent individual is able to recognize the need for information.
The Process The information fluency is the ability to unconsciously and intuitively interpret information in all forms and format in order to attain the required knowledge, perceive its meaning and significance, and use it to complete the real world task.
Ask This involves compiling a list of critical questions about what knowledge or data is being presented. The key here is to ask good questions, because that's how you get good answers from the person you are asking.
Acquire Accessing information is no longer as easy as going to a card catalogue and getting a book or other paper based resources. This stage involves accessing and collecting information materials appropriate digital and non-digital sources.
Analyse With all the raw data collected , the next step is to navigate through the information to authenticate , organize, and arrange it all. The stage also involves ascertaining whether information is true or not, and distinguishing the good from bad.
Apply Once data is collected and verified, and a solution is created, the knowledge must then be practically applied within the context of the original purpose for the information.
Assess The final stage is about thorough and critical revisiting both the product and the process. This involves open and lively discussions about how the problem solving journey could have been made more efficient, and how the solution created could be applied to the challenge of the similar nature.