I am one of the computer science student. Everyone solve problem with a different or same method, ( but actually I dont know whether they use  method or I dont know whether there are such common method to approach problem.) 
if there are common method, What is it ? 
If there are different method, which method are you using ?
All teacher give us problem which in simple form sometimes, but they donot introduce any approach or method(s) so that we cannot make a decision to  choose the method then apply that one to problem  , afterward find solution then write code.No help from teacher , push us to find  method to solve homework. Ex: my friend is using no method , he says "I start to construct algorithm while I try to write prog." 
I have found one method when I failed the course, 
More accurately, my method:
When I counter problem in language , I will get more paper and then ;
first, input/ output  step ; 
       my prog will take this / these there argument(s) and return namely X , 
       ex : in c, 
            input length is not known and at same type ,
                so I must use pointer 
            desired output is in form of package , 
                so use structure 
second, execution part    ;
   in that step , I am writing all step which are goes to final output 
       ex : in python ;
             1.) [ + , [- , 4 , [ * , 1 , 2 ]], 5]
             2.) [ + , [- , 4 , 2 ],5 ]
             3.) [ + , 2 , 5] 
             4.)  7      ==> return 7 
third, I will write test code 
       ex :    in c++
           input : append 3  4 5 6 vector_x remove 0 1 
           desired output  vector_x holds : 5 6       
now, my other question is ; What is/are  other method(s) which have/has been;
 used to construct class  :::: for  c++ , python, java  
 used to communicate classes / computers
 used for solving  embedded system problem  ::::: for c 
by other user?
Some programmer uses generalized method without considering prog-language(java , perl .. ), what is this method ?
Why I wonder , because I learn if you dont costruct algorithm on paper, you may achieve your goal. Like no money no  lunch , I can say no algorithm  no prog  
therefore , feel free when you write your own method , a way which is introduced by someone else but you are using and you find it is so efficient