Decreasing impulsivity is important in almost all areas of our lives. In problem solving, however, it is one of those things that few people practice. In the classroom, how many people tend to blurt out their first answer without thinking? How many times have you skipped the directions to a problem and began to solve it immediately? It is important to stop, think, plan, consider other options and approaches when faced with a problem. When you are approaching a problem or when you think you have solved it, stop and reflect for a minute. Use the other thinking skills and see if you really are approaching the problem using all the information and possibilities available or if you have really solved it in the best way.

An archaeologist found a marble column and impulsively sent off a press release that he had found the “find of the century.” Soon, however, he was laughed at by the archaeological community. See if you can tell why. Here is what was engraved on the column.

TOTI
E
HORS
ES TO

\