General Problem Solving
What is the first step in problem solving?
identify the problem
You are really confused in math class but are nervous to ask any questions in front of the whole class. How could you solve this problem?
ask your teacher after class, email your teacher with your questions
Mike's mom just got a new car. He opened the car door into a pole and some of the paint came off. What should he do next.
Tell his mom the truth, apologize
You feel like your group of friends is leaving you out. What can you do?
have a conversation with them about how you are feeling
What is the second step in problem solving?
identifying the size of the problem
You didn't have enough time in class to finish an assignment. What should you do next?
ask the teacher if you can work on it later
You want to go to the football game but your friend wants to stay home and watch a movie. How can you solve this problem?
come to a compromise (e.g.., go to the game for the first half and then watch a movie)
Your friend asks you to hang out but you are busy and feel bad saying no. How should you handle this problem?
tell them you would love to but have plans already, ask about another time to hang out
What is the last step in problem solving?
identifying a solution to the problem
You are trying to focus and the student next to you is humming really loudly. How can you solve this problem?
politely ask them to stop, go to a different seat
You want to go hang out with a friend but your parents say no and you don't understand why. What should you do?
respectfully ask them why they don't want you to
You keep asking your friend if they want to hang out and they keep saying they are busy. What should you do?
Tell them how you are feeling and ask if everything is okay
Why are problem solving skills important?
we encounter problems that we have to work through on a daily basis
You notice a classmate copying your answers on a test. What should you do?
Tell the teacher
Your parents told you to be back by 9:00 but your friend wants to keep hanging out even though it is already 8:50. What should you do?
tell them you have to be back, call your parents and ask if you can stay longer
You notice another student sitting by themself at lunch. What should you do?