Which of the following is not a merit of the Problem Solving method?

Concept — The problem solving method is a learner-centred strategy in which pupils resolve a genuine, felt difficulty by working through the steps of the scientific method: sensing and defining the problem, collecting relevant data, framing hypotheses, testing them against that data, and generalising the conclusion. Its merits are judged by the thinking habits this cycle builds; its costs are judged by the classroom time and resources the same cycle consumes.

Application — Test each listed characteristic against that cycle:

• Learner-centred: the pupil states the problem, plans the enquiry and draws the conclusion while the teacher only guides, so the method is centred on the learner. This is listed among its merits.

• Development of scientific attitude: withholding judgement until data are collected and accepting only evidence-backed conclusions is practised at every stage. This is listed among its merits.

• Training in scientific method: the pupil rehearses the full problem → hypothesis → verification → generalisation sequence on a real problem. This is listed among its merits.

• Time economy: the same multi-stage cycle spreads a single unit of content over several periods, so pedagogy texts place “it is time-consuming” among the limitations of the method, not among its merits.

Cross-check — The standard merit–limitation split for this method:

Result — Among the four characteristics offered, “Time-saving method” is the one that is not a merit of the problem solving method — it is a recognised limitation of it.