198 - 238 CCNA 2: Routers and Routing Basics v3.1 Instructor Guide – Appendix B Copyright © 2004, Cisco Systems, Inc.
B.3.2 Design activities Figure 1: Dartmouth Problem-Solving Cycle
Design is an iterative process that starts with brainstorming. From there, it proceeds through
research and problem-solving matrices and design specification tests. Multiple repetitions of
this process are required until an adequate solution to a problem is achieved. Any Academy
curriculum with projects or design activities allows instructors to introduce elements of the
Dartmouth Problem-Solving and Design Method. The website associated with this section has
online resources and written materials that can be downloaded and a video that can be
ordered. There are other methods that are also effective. Cisco encourages instructors to use
the method that works best for them and their students.
Whether students will troubleshoot problems in an existing network or design and check a
network to meet specifications, the process involves an iterative problem-solving procedure.
For Internet problems and issues related to general engineering, problem-solving matrices are
useful when there many alternatives for a given number of constraints. Chapter 1, The
Engineering Problem-Solving Cycle of the Engineering Problem Solving for Mathematics,
Science, and Technology Education, uses the problem solving matrix to introduce the problem
solving cycle and its iterative nature. The matrix teaches students how to define a problem.
Chapter 4, Guiding Students Through the Problem-Solving Cycle, explains how the entire
process can be iterated. This includes suggestions on how to choose effective problems, how
to set up the right environment for brainstorming sessions, and how to analyze the results of
these sessions.
The goal is for students to gain an appreciation for the importance of problem solving, which is
one of the most important aspects of engineering. Cisco also wants students to experience the
use of these procedures to gain a better comprehension of why some potential solutions work
and others do not. They will learn that the ability to employ good problem-solving procedures
and documentation will ultimately determine their success with problem solving. Eventually,