Students who are problem solvers exhibit the following attributes

1. Are willing to spend time reading, gathering information and defining the problem [affective – level 2].
2. Use a process, as well as a variety of tactics and heuristics to tackle problems [cognitive – level 4].
3. Monitor their problem-solving process and reflect upon its effectiveness [cognitive – level 4].
4. Emphasize accuracy rather than speed [affective – level 3].
5. Write down ideas and create charts / figures, while solving a problem [cognitive – level 3].
6. Are organized and systematic [affective – level 4].
7. Are flexible (keep options open, can view a situation from different perspectives / points of view) [affective – level 4].
8. Draw on the pertinent subject knowledge and objectively and critically assess the quality, accuracy, and pertinence of that knowledge / data [cognitive – level 3].
9. Are willing to risk and cope with ambiguity, welcoming change and managing stress [affective – level 4].
10. Use an approach that emphasizes fundamentals rather than trying to combine memorized sample solutions [cognitive – level 4].