Problem-Solving Group Discussion
Every group at one time or another has the task of problem solving (the gap between the current situation and a desired situation). Problem solving is an ongoing process that is an integral part of work and life.
Task: Working in a groups or 5 and 6, students will
Task: Working in a groups or 5 and 6, students will
- select a problem that affects or is of interest to the group members (be reasonable, your group discussion isn't going to solve world hunger or stop terrorism)
- individually research the problem, its causes, and possible solutions,
- select one group member to serve as the discussion facilitator,
- participate in a group discussion of the problem,
- follow a five-step problem-solving process, and
- use individual research to contribute a discussion of the problem
Step 1: Define the Problem:
"what is the Problem?"
The first point in the discussion is to define the problem. As you research, look for answers to these questions
- How often does the problem occur?
- When does it occur?
- Where does it occur most often?
- Who tends to be involved with the problem most often?
- Keep in mind the problem may change in scope as you examine it more closely at each step.
Step 2: Identify the Causes of the problem:
"Why is this happening?"
After the group has agreed on what the problem is, then next step is to analyze it, particularly its causes and effects.
Look for root causes of the problem as you research.
In doing this the group must try to avoid letting opinions take priority over facts. The question “What are the facts?” must be foremost in the your minds.
Ask the team WHY for each suggested cause.
A technique to use when considering all possible causes (and solutions) is brainstorming.
Look for root causes of the problem as you research.
In doing this the group must try to avoid letting opinions take priority over facts. The question “What are the facts?” must be foremost in the your minds.
Ask the team WHY for each suggested cause.
A technique to use when considering all possible causes (and solutions) is brainstorming.
Step 3: Brainstorm possible solutions:
"How can the problem be solved?"
As a group, think of as many ways to solve the problem as you can. Generate, don't evaluate.
Use your research to investigate possible solutions to the problem, perhaps, a solution that has worked for a different group.
Remember the basic rules of brainstorming: no discussion or evaluative comments, keep it moving quickly, piggy backing is encouraged, and have fun with it. Encourage creativity. Combine, refine, and build on ideas. Think about what others have done in similar situations.
Use your research to investigate possible solutions to the problem, perhaps, a solution that has worked for a different group.
Remember the basic rules of brainstorming: no discussion or evaluative comments, keep it moving quickly, piggy backing is encouraged, and have fun with it. Encourage creativity. Combine, refine, and build on ideas. Think about what others have done in similar situations.
Step 4: Establish criteria for solutions
"What does the Solution need to look like?"
After your group has analyzed the problem, you must now establish criteria to guide you
in your quest for solutions. These solutions, preferably, will solve the problem, and will not cause other problems to develop and make conditions worse than they are already.
The criteria should define general characteristics that a solution
should have. One way develop criteria is to complete sentences that naturally lead to identifying criteria. For example, "The solution should be one that...".
in your quest for solutions. These solutions, preferably, will solve the problem, and will not cause other problems to develop and make conditions worse than they are already.
The criteria should define general characteristics that a solution
should have. One way develop criteria is to complete sentences that naturally lead to identifying criteria. For example, "The solution should be one that...".
Step 5: Evaluate solutions and select the best option
"Which solution is the best choice?"
In this step the group chooses the solution that seems to meet the criteria better than any
other.
As a means of accomplishing this end, these questions are helpful:
Determining which of the proposed solutions is best is a decision-making process. A decision implies
that agreement to do something prevails among the group members, and the something that is agreed to
is a choice among different alternatives.
Once solutions have been selected, ask each other: “What could possibly go wrong if we do this?” If there is no way to counter serious obstacles, the team may need to think of other more appropriate solutions
other.
As a means of accomplishing this end, these questions are helpful:
- What is the exact nature of each solution?
- How would it correct the problem?
- How well would it remedy the problem?
- How well does it satisfy the criteria?
- Would a combination of solutions be best?
Determining which of the proposed solutions is best is a decision-making process. A decision implies
that agreement to do something prevails among the group members, and the something that is agreed to
is a choice among different alternatives.
Once solutions have been selected, ask each other: “What could possibly go wrong if we do this?” If there is no way to counter serious obstacles, the team may need to think of other more appropriate solutions