FOPS Meet

From UoWiki

A gathering, organised by the FacultyOfProblemSolving.

• Share your problem solving experiences.
• See live demonstrations.
• Hear informative talks.
• Participate in group activities that resemble games, but in reality are cunningly disguised problem solving techniques.

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Somewhere to reflect on problems and their solutions.

An informal gathering where we can share our experiences as problem solvers. This is the main reason that FOPS came into being.

Many people, perhaps most of us, are so focused on getting the solution to our problems, that we miss out on opportunities that are often far more valuable than any given solution. We rush to solve the problem and miss out on opportunities to share our experiences.

The answer is 42!

For many problems the solution may even be a lot less interesting than how we solved them. Our preoccupation with 'finding the solution' may mean we:

• fail to allow ourselves to fully enjoy the journey from problem to solution;
• fail to share the experience with each other, learn and have fun;
• don't notice the possibility of a more ElegantSolution;
• don't reflect on all aspects of the experience including how we felt along the way.

What really makes these nights work is what we bring in terms of our experiences.

FOPS gatherings are relaxed, fun but stimulating nights out. All kinds of contributions are welcomed, including:

• updates about problems that you have been working on for some time;
• stories about glorious successes, and non-successes;
• problems from any area, domain, subject, faculty etc;
• information about interesting, - or just plain weired - tools and techniques.

Contributions of food and drink also makes these nights work. :-)