Lesson 2 - Problem Solving

Lesson 2- Problem Solving Objectives: Learn and understand the six steps in the problem solving method Understand when to consult and compromise

Problem Solving Problem solving is the ability to analyze a situation by looking at the big picture.

Your friend has too many assignments due tomorrow. 1. Identify the Problem What is the basis of the problem? What is causing the problem? Your friend has too many assignments due tomorrow. He just doesn’t have enough time.

Get assignments all completed and turned in on time 2. Identify Objective What is the goal? What must be accomplished? What is the big picture? Get assignments all completed and turned in on time

3. Identify Circumstances What are the facts? What is preventing the goal or task from being accomplished? Besides the assignments, your friend’s evening commitments are: Go home Make dinner (tonight is your friend’s turn) Go to soccer practice Get a good night’s sleep

4. Name Possible Solutions Your friend has some options: How might the problem be eliminated? How might the goal be adapted? Your friend has some options: Ask for help (trade dinner nights) Ride the bus instead of walking home (arriving home earlier) Go to bed late Get up early Don’t hand in all the work on time

5. Make and Implement Plan Was the solution successful? Would another solution have worked better? Should the solution be repeated? Your friend choose to swapped dinner nights with his sister. He was successful, but barely had enough time to get all the work completed. He decided that if he were in the same situation again, he would choose chose to ride the bus home as well as swapping dinner nights.

Other Considerations Sometimes there may be additional steps in the process like consulting with others or making compromises.

The problem solving process: Conclusion The problem solving process: 1. Identify the Problem 2. Identify Objective 3. Identify Circumstances 4. Name Possible Solutions 5. Make and Implement Plan