How do you craft a clear and compelling problem statement for a policy brief for education?

1 Identify the problem

The first step is to identify the problem that you want to solve or improve in the education sector. You can use a variety of sources, such as data, reports, surveys, interviews, or observations, to gather evidence and insights about the problem. You should also consider the context, scope, and scale of the problem, as well as the stakeholders and beneficiaries involved. Try to answer questions such as: What is the problem? Why is it a problem? How big or urgent is it? Who is affected by it? How does it relate to the broader goals or priorities of the education sector?

2 Analyze the causes

The second step is to analyze the causes of the problem and how they contribute to the current situation. You can use a logical framework, such as a problem tree, to map out the root causes, the core problem, and the effects of the problem. You should also identify any assumptions, constraints, or risks that may influence the problem or its potential solutions. Try to answer questions such as: What are the main factors or drivers of the problem? How do they interact or influence each other? What are the underlying assumptions or beliefs that shape the problem? What are the barriers or challenges that prevent the problem from being solved?

3 Define the gap

The third step is to define the gap between the current situation and the desired situation. You can use a normative framework, such as a logic model, to specify the inputs, outputs, outcomes, and impacts that you want to achieve with your policy brief. You should also articulate the value proposition or the benefits of solving the problem for your audience and the education sector. Try to answer questions such as: What are the objectives or goals of your policy brief? What are the expected results or changes that you want to see? How will they improve the situation or address the problem? What are the advantages or opportunities of solving the problem?

4 State the problem

The fourth step is to state the problem in a clear and compelling way. You can use a formula, such as "Despite [evidence of problem], [cause of problem] prevents [desired situation]", to craft a concise and persuasive problem statement. You should also use precise and specific language, avoid jargon or technical terms, and highlight the relevance and urgency of the problem. Try to answer questions such as: How can you summarize the problem in one or two sentences? How can you capture the attention and interest of your audience? How can you demonstrate the importance and feasibility of solving the problem?

5 Support the problem

The fifth step is to support the problem with credible and relevant evidence. You can use data, facts, statistics, examples, or testimonials to back up your problem statement and show its validity and significance. You should also use reliable and reputable sources, cite them properly, and present them in a clear and accessible way. Try to answer questions such as: What are the best sources of evidence for your problem? How can you organize and display them effectively? How can you avoid bias or errors in your evidence?

6 Review the problem

The sixth step is to review the problem and check its quality and clarity. You can use criteria, such as SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound), to evaluate your problem statement and make sure it meets the standards and expectations of your audience and the education sector. You should also seek feedback from others, such as peers, experts, or stakeholders, to improve your problem statement and ensure it is accurate and convincing. Try to answer questions such as: How can you measure or monitor the problem? How can you align the problem with your audience's needs and interests? How can you refine or revise your problem statement based on feedback?

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?