1. SMALL GROUP COMMUNICATION
Bellringer: Do you prefer to work in groups or alone? Write down the pro’s and con’s when working in a group.

2. 5 Steps to Solving Problems:
1st Step – DEFINE THE PROBLEM
This involves answering basic questions about the problem such as the following: What is the specific problem? Where is the problem? When did the problem start? Who is involved in the problem

3. 2nd Step – ANALYZE THE PROBLEM
Continued:
2nd Step – ANALYZE THE PROBLEM
The typical questions in this step are: What is the cause of the problem? What is the result of the problem? What methods are being used now to deal with the problem?

4. 3rd Step – PROPOSE SOLUTIONS
Continued:
3rd Step – PROPOSE SOLUTIONS
This is generally a brainstorming session, where participants throw out ideas quickly without critiquing them.

5. 4th Step – EVALUATE THE PROPOSED SOLUTIONS
Continued:
4th Step – EVALUATE THE PROPOSED SOLUTIONS
They examine each of the proposed solutions in detail and list the advantages and disadvantages of each solution. They look at short-term and long-term effects of the solution.

6. 5th Step – SELECT ONE SOLUTION (BEST)
Continued:
5th Step – SELECT ONE SOLUTION (BEST)
If the group has done a thorough job in the previous steps, they should have enough information to make a final decision. They will have to compare the ease of implementation and overall effect of the various solutions.

7. DECISION MAKING METHODS:
CONSENSUS –
All members support a decision
Win-Win situation
MAJORITY –
Most members of the group make the decision
Democratic decision
Win-Lose situation

8. MINORITY – COMPROMISE – Continued:
A few members make a decision for all
COMPROMISE –
Given the diversity of opinions, individuals give up something so the group can come to a best solution
Lose-Lose Situation

9. EXPERT – AUTHORITY – Continued:
The perceived expert is given power to make decisions
AUTHORITY –
One person makes a decision for all
Usually the Leader of the group