How can you teach problem-solving strategies more effectively?

1 Define the problem

The first step in any problem-solving process is to define the problem clearly and accurately. This helps your students focus on the relevant information, avoid assumptions, and identify the goals and criteria for a successful solution. You can help your students define the problem by asking them open-ended questions, such as: What is the main issue or challenge? What are the causes and effects of the problem? Who are the stakeholders and what are their needs and interests? What are the constraints and opportunities for solving the problem?

2 Explore the options

Once your students have defined the problem, they need to explore the possible options for solving it. This involves generating, comparing, and evaluating different ideas and approaches, using various sources of information and methods of reasoning. You can help your students explore the options by encouraging them to brainstorm, research, experiment, and collaborate with others. You can also provide them with tools and frameworks, such as mind maps, decision matrices, SWOT analysis, or design thinking, to help them organize and analyze their options.

3 Choose the best solution

After exploring the options, your students need to choose the best solution for the problem, based on the criteria and constraints they identified in the first step. This involves applying critical thinking skills, such as logic, evidence, and judgement, to weigh the pros and cons of each option and select the most feasible and effective one. You can help your students choose the best solution by asking them to justify their choice, using clear and relevant arguments and data. You can also challenge them to consider alternative perspectives, potential risks, and ethical implications of their solution.

4 Implement the solution

The next step in the problem-solving process is to implement the solution, which means putting it into action and testing its results. This involves planning, executing, and monitoring the solution, using appropriate resources and strategies. You can help your students implement the solution by guiding them to set realistic and measurable goals, define the roles and responsibilities of each team member, and use feedback and reflection to adjust and improve their solution.

5 Evaluate the outcome

The final step in the problem-solving process is to evaluate the outcome, which means assessing the effectiveness and impact of the solution. This involves measuring, reviewing, and reporting the results, using relevant criteria and indicators. You can help your students evaluate the outcome by asking them to compare the actual results with the expected results, identify the strengths and weaknesses of their solution, and recognize the lessons learned and the implications for future problems.

6 Enhance your instruction

Teaching problem-solving strategies is not a one-time event, but a continuous and dynamic process that requires ongoing practice and feedback. You can enhance your instruction by creating authentic and meaningful problems that relate to your students' interests and experiences, using diverse and engaging methods and materials that suit your students' learning styles and preferences, and fostering a supportive and respectful learning environment that values curiosity, creativity, and collaboration.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?