BEST Robotics - Meta Skills – Problem Solving Part I

Dr. Jens A. Hartmann , Marty Strong Michael Steiner

Several years ago, unintentionally, I attended a closed-door discussion at one of the finest universities led by STEM Ph.D. scientists from various STEM fields. The engaging discussion was about preventative measures concerning the devastating September 11th attack.

As I started to listen in, I was sure I was attending a scientific elaboration about preventing planes from causing such devastating damage to high rises - in other words, finding solutions to airplane attacks on buildings.

The more immersed I became in the issues debated, the more I realized its expanded scope.

I could not get up as I had more access to different views of September 11 as a STEM scientific set of challenges requiring solving. The more modifications of the “problem” the exceptionally wise scientists were looking to address, the more I felt that my brain opened into channels of thoughts about the specific event with entirely different access I was not aware was there.

Years after, I still own the benefits of being there and getting sucked into this scientific examination of a multifaceted problem that forever leaves scars on everyone.

Our newest article, led by Marty Strong and Dr. Jens A. Hartmann, dives deep into problem-solving methodology and its impact. Impact on learning, skills, capacities, and much more: the deeper you get into solving the Problem-Solving enigma, the more you will own and realize what it does to you and anyone working together.

“The history of science, like the history of all human ideas, is a history of irresponsible dreams, of obstinacy, and of error. But science is one of the very few human activities - perhaps the only one - in which errors are systematically criticized and fairly often, in time, corrected.” (Karl Popper)

Sir Karl Raimund Popper, CH FRS FBA, was an Austrian–British philosopher, academic, and social commentator. One of the 20th century's most influential philosophers of science. Popper and others leave us a pathway to understand why this methodology is unlike others.

Another leader in science we frequently mention in our articles had a practical approach, which hints at the benefits of growing through problem-solving.

“We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.” (Albert Einstein)

Albert Einstein hints that the keys to innovative and creative thinking are embedded in acquiring perspectives we do not have, which will evolve once we engage in problem-solving.

So, it is much more than finding mistakes and means to overcome them. Why does this approach leave such a trail in our cortex?

In simple terms, why does detailed attention to the broken push your abilities to excellence, even if not all problems are solvable?

Dr. Jens Hartmann; solve the enigma of problem-solving for us. Why is brain science paying so much attention to this approach to growth by you and other scientists?

Problem-solving is a complex cognitive process that leverages various neural networks, fostering growth and development in multiple domains. This review synthesizes the current understanding of problem-solving's impacts on cognitive development, critical thinking, creativity, emotional intelligence, adaptability, confidence, collaboration skills, lifelong learning mindset, practical application of knowledge, and metacognition. We examine the neural mechanisms underlying these effects, highlighting key brain regions, neurotransmitters, and hormonal responses. Our analysis provides valuable insights for educators, researchers, and individuals seeking to optimize cognitive potential.

Cognitive development is significantly enhanced through problem-solving, which promotes neural connectivity and plasticity (Draganski et al., 2004), improves executive functions (Miller & Cohen, 2001), and fosters the growth of the prefrontal cortex (Krain & Castellanos, 2006). This process not only strengthens critical thinking by activating the prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex for logical reasoning (Bunge et al., 2009) but also enhances dopamine release, motivating learning (Schultz, 2006) and improving error detection and correction (Botvinick et al., 2004).

?

Moreover, problem-solving engages the default mode network, facilitating imagination and idea generation (Buckner et al., 2008), and increases gray matter in regions associated with creative thinking (Luders et al., 2013). This engagement enhances cognitive flexibility, allowing individuals to devise novel solutions (Dietrich, 2004), while simultaneously developing emotional intelligence through interactions between the prefrontal cortex and amygdala (Gross & Thompson, 2007). The activation of the mirror neuron system during problem-solving also improves empathy (Decety & Jackson, 2004) and enhances self-awareness via connectivity between the insula and prefrontal cortex (Craig, 2009).

?

Furthermore, the adaptability gained from problem-solving increases neural adaptability through neuroplasticity (Kolb & Whishaw, 2011) and improves resilience to stress by fostering interactions between the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus (McEwen, 2007). This cognitive flexibility is crucial for adjusting to changing situations (Duncan & Owen, 2000), while the process also bolsters confidence and self-efficacy. This is achieved through the release of dopamine and endorphins, which enhance motivation (Schultz, 2006) and improve self-perception by engaging both the prefrontal cortex and default mode network (Northoff & Bermpohl, 2004), thereby developing coping mechanisms that contribute to resilience (Fletcher & Sarkar, 2013).

?

In addition, problem-solving fosters collaboration skills by activating social cognition networks essential for teamwork and communication (Mitchell, 2009) and enhances trust and cooperation through oxytocin release (Kosfeld et al., 2013). It also aids in conflict resolution by fostering interactions between the prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex (Amodio & Frith, 2006), promoting a more harmonious working environment.

?

A lifelong learning mindset is cultivated through problem-solving as it nurtures a growth mindset via neural plasticity (Draganski et al., 2004) and fuels curiosity through dopamine release (Schultz, 2006). This mindset further supports self-directed learning, facilitated by the interplay of the prefrontal cortex and default mode network (Buckner et al., 2008).

?Conclusion of Part I

Finally, practical application of knowledge is enhanced through problem-solving, which improves learning transfer via neural consolidation (McGaugh, 2000) and contextual interference (Bransford & Schwartz, 1999). It also increases functional connectivity between various brain regions, ensuring effective application of acquired knowledge (Sporns, 2011). By promoting metacognition, problem-solving develops self-awareness through the connectivity of the prefrontal cortex and insula (Craig, 2009) and enhances reflective thinking, supported by anterior cingulate cortex activation (Botvinick et al., 2004) and default mode network engagement (Buckner et al., 2008). Overall, the multifaceted benefits of problem-solving underscore its crucial role in cognitive, emotional, and social development.

?

Next in BEST Robotics Meta Skills - Problem Solving Part II

The learning principles from the 8200 Mossad group emphasize adaptability, innovation, and strategic thinking, closely aligning with the benefits of problem-solving in cognitive development. The group’s approach to training focuses on real-world scenarios that enhance neural connectivity and plasticity, enabling rapid learning and skill acquisition (Draganski et al., 2004). The focus is on uncertainty, not knowing, embracing to feel uncomfortable. That approach allows to become creative, find new approaches and understand the gaps needed to be filled?

(to be continued)