In this lesson, you'll learn about systematic approaches to solving problems and making decisions, which are key skills in computer science. These methods help you break down complex issues into manageable steps, ensuring you find effective solutions. This is especially useful for programming, algorithms, and real-world computing challenges.

Here's what you'll cover:

1. Understanding systematic problem-solving processes.
2. Exploring Polya's four-step method for problem-solving.
3. Learning about decision-making techniques, including decision trees.
4. Practical activity: Applying these steps to a simple computing problem.

Systematic problem-solving is a structured way to tackle challenges by following a logical sequence of steps. Unlike random guessing, it ensures you analyse the problem thoroughly and test solutions efficiently. In computer science, this is crucial for developing algorithms, debugging code, and designing systems.

Benefits include:

• Reducing errors by breaking problems into smaller parts.
• Improving efficiency in finding solutions.
• Encouraging critical thinking and creativity.

A common framework is Polya's method, which we'll explore next. This method was developed by mathematician George Polya and is widely used in computing.

Polya's Four-Step Method is a systematic approach to problem-solving developed by mathematician George Polya. It is widely used in computer science for tackling complex problems logically. The four steps are:

1. Understand the Problem: Carefully read and analyse the problem, identifying what is known, what is unknown, and the goal.
2. Devise a Plan: Brainstorm strategies, break down the problem, and outline steps to solve it, such as using algorithms or flowcharts.
3. Carry Out the Plan: Execute the plan step by step, implementing and testing your solution.
4. Look Back: Evaluate the solution, check for errors, test with different cases, and consider improvements.

This method helps ensure efficient and effective solutions in programming and computing tasks.

The first step in Polya's method is to fully understand the problem. This means reading it carefully, identifying what is known, what is unknown, and what the goal is.

Key actions:

• Restate the problem in your own words.
• Identify inputs, outputs, and constraints (e.g., in a programming task, what data do you have and what result is needed?).
• Ask questions like: What am I trying to achieve? Are there similar problems I've solved before?

Once you understand the problem, devise a plan. This involves brainstorming strategies, such as using algorithms, breaking it into sub-problems, or drawing diagrams like flowcharts.

Key actions:

• Consider tools or methods (e.g., loops in programming or sorting algorithms).
• Look for patterns or analogies to known solutions.
• Plan steps in pseudocode or a flowchart.