1. Problem Solving in Groups

2. Decision Making vs. Problem Solving
Making a judgment
Choosing an option
Making choice between alternative
Asks who, what, where & when
Problem Solving
Developing a plan
Analyzing a problem
Creating a plan of action
Asks why & how

3. Decision Making Methods
Voting
A majority or two-thirds support a group decision
Consensus
All group members agree to support a group decision
Authority Rule
A single person or someone outside the group makes the final decision, with or without recommendations from the group

4. Benefits of Structured Problem Solving
Balanced participation
Effective conflict resolution
Clear organization
Group empowerment

5. Structured Problem Solving Procedures

6. Brainstorming Key principles:
Defer judgment to improve quality of input
Quantity of ideas & output breeds quality
Everybody shares ideas
All ideas are recorded; none are excluded
Best for gathering ideas (topics, criteria, solutions), not for decision making

7. Other Ways to Promote Creativity
Control judgment
Encourage innovation
Ask what if ?s
Use metaphors

8. Critical Thinking & Argumentation in Groups

9. Critical Thinking vs. Argumentation
The kind of thinking you use when you analyze what you read, see, or hear in order to arrive at a justified conclusion or decision
Argumentation
The process of advocating a position, analyzing competing ideas, and influencing others

10. Value of Argumentation in Groups
Promotes understanding
Promotes critical thinking
Values minority opinions
Decreases risk of groupthink
Improves group decision making

11. Presenting & Refuting an Argument