A Lesson on Problem-Solving Got problems? Need Help Solving Them?

Essential Questions When will problem solving skills be useful in life? What are the seven steps to solving a problem? What are the skills used in problem solving?

What’s the Problem? Problems in this lesson are defined as any situation in which a person must weigh many factors to arrive at a decision. The problems may have several correct answers. To effectively solve a problem, you will learn how to use the problem solving method and think logically. You should be able to defend your recommended solution(s) to a problem by –citing facts –using logic –referring to the factors relevant to making your decision

Introduction There are many approaches to problem solving, depending on... –the nature of the problem and... –the people involved in the problem A traditional approach is to follow the seven steps in this presentation.

What is a problem? A problem is when there is a difference between what is actually happening and what the individual or group wants to be happening.

What is problem solving? The process of determining a solution and taking corrective action in order to meet goals.

Common Mistakes in Problem Solving The problem is not well defined or there is denial that the problem exists. Goals and objectives are not clearly defined. Opinions, emotions, feelings, and self- interest interfere with objective thinking. Individuals or groups jump to unwarranted conclusions. Individuals or groups are afraid to make mistakes.

Skills needed in problem solving Recognize a problem situation. Clearly define goals and/or objectives. Gather information related to the possible solutions. Be open-minded toward possible solution offered by others. Carefully evaluate information in accepting or rejecting solutions. Work with others to solve problems. Accept the fact that you may make mistakes. Avoid jumping to unwarranted conclusions (be flexible).

Seven steps to problem solving 1.Recognize the problem. 2.Define the problem. 3.Determine possible solutions. 4.Determine factors to evaluate solutions. 5.Test each possible solution. 6.Select a workable solution. 7.Carry out your solution.

Problem Solving Scenarios Now you will receive a handout with three “problem” scenarios. You will be asked to pick one scenario and work through the 7-step problem solving process Be prepared to share your work with the class.

Problems and their Solutions Who wants to share the seven steps they used to solve their problem? We need one person who from each scenario to report out –Scenario 1 volunteer –Scenario 2 volunteer –Scenario 3 volunteer

In Summary Referring to your notes, let’s do a quick review.

Question 1 Who can tell us how to define the word “problem”?

Question 1 Who can tell us how to define the word “problem”? A problem can be defined as any situation in which a person must weigh many factors to arrive at a decision.

Question 2 Fill in the blank: Problem solving the process of determining a _____________ and taking corrective action in order to meet goals

Question 2 Fill in the blank: Problem solving the process of determining a solution and taking corrective action in order to meet goals

Question 3 What are 2 common mistakes many people make when trying to solve a problem?

Question 3 What are 2 common mistakes many people make when trying to solve a problem? Any 2 of the 5 below would be good answers: 1.The problem is not well defined or there is denial that the problem exists. 2.Goals and objectives are not clearly defined. 3.Opinions, emotions, feelings, and self-interest interfere with objective thinking. 4.Individuals or groups jump to unwarranted conclusions. 5.Individuals or groups are afraid to make mistakes.

Question 4, 5, 6 4. True or False: A skill needed in problem solving is to clearly define goals or objectives 5. True or False: Mistakes are not an option when it comes to problem solving 6. True or False: In problem solving, we should be open-minded toward possible solutions offered by others.

Question 4, 5, 6 4. True or False: A skill needed in problem solving is to clearly define goals or objectives 5. True or False: Mistakes are not an option when it comes to problem solving 6. True or False: In problem solving, we should be open-minded toward possible solutions offered by others.

Question 7 Name the seven steps to problem solving:

Question 7 Name the seven steps to problem solving: 1.Recognize the problem. 2.Define the problem. 3.Determine possible solutions. 4.Determine factors to evaluate solutions. 5.Test each possible solution. 6.Select a workable solution. 7.Carry out your solution.