Downloaded 17 times
Uploaded byRobyn Cook-Ritchie
Ps session 1 introduction to problem solving
This document outlines an introductory problem solving session, which will cover several topics: reviewing the module topics and expectations, completing paperwork, reviewing learning styles, and answering questions. The module will teach critical thinking and problem solving skills through activities and cover the six steps to problem solving. At the end, participants will receive a learner plan, certificate, and be asked to provide an evaluation. Follow-ups will occur at 3, 6, and 12 months.
More Related Content
Similar to Ps session 1 introduction to problem solving
Ps session 1 introduction to problem solving
- 1.
- 2. In this sessionwe will be • Reviewing the topics that will be covered in this module • Discussing expectations • Filling in the registration form (if applicable) • Filling in the release of information form (if applicable) • Filling in the learner agreement (if applicable) • Reviewing your learner plan • Completing a learning styles inventory • Answer any questions you have about the rest of the sessions
- 3. In the ProblemSolving Module we will be covering the following topics • What is critical thinking and problem solving • What are the six steps to solving problems We will also be practicing problem solving skills with a variety of different activities.
- 4. At the endof the Module • We will give you a copy of your learner plan which is a summary of what we are covering in the session • We will give you a certificate of completion • We will ask you to fill out an evaluation form • We will be asking you if you would recommend this program or this session to other people that might benefit from it After you leave, we will be contacting you at 3 months, 6 months and 12 months to see how you are doing.
- 5.
- 6. Expectations • Understand yourrole here- if you aren't sure about something ask! • Be responsible • Accept the point of view of others • Be flexible when working with others • Come prepared to participate • Meet any deadlines • Be willing to help others • Contribute to the best of your ability • Help resolve disagreements if they happen
- 7. Milestones • During themodule we will be doing "check-ins" called milestones. Milestones are activities to help you see if you are making progress. • The milestones in this module we will be doing are all found on your learner plan. • After we have completed all the materials you may complete a culminating task.
- 8. Your Learner Plan •Every person who comes to our agency has a learner plan • The plan outlines what you will be doing while you are here • The main parts of the learner plan are: • milestones you will complete • learning activities you will complete • referrals that are made
- 9. What is criticalthinking? • Critical thinking involves thinking about questions and issues using a "blank page" point of view. It also involves understanding the difference between fact and opinion when you are doing research. • Critical thinking skills drive the decisions we make every day. • Critical thinking skills help us solve problems
- 10. Critical thinking skillsare important because they support the ability to be able to problem- solve effectively and to make good decisions.
- 11. Critical Thinkers • askquestions • gather and assess relevant information • are open-minded • can communicate and work with others to solve problems
- 12. • In orderto develop and maintain critical thinking skills you need to use them. • One of the best ways to do this is to practice your problem-solving skills!
- 13. What is problemsolving? • The process of working through a problem to find a solution • Not just math • Is an essential skill you need for work, learning and independence
- 14. Definitions Problem: Wherever thereis a gap between where you are now and where you want to be and you don’t know how to cross that gap, you have a problem. (Hays, 1980) Problem solving: What you do when you don’t know what to do. (Wheatley, 1984)
- 15. Barriers to Problem- Solving Emotions Controllingyour emotions can be very difficult when you are faced with a problem. In order to solve problems, you need to be able to think clearly and try not to let your emotions get in the way
- 16. Barriers to Problem-Solving Fearand anxiety • Many people think they cannot problem solve so they avoid it. • Everyone has the ability to solve problems! • You just need to build your skills so you can do so effectively. There is nothing to be afraid of!
- 17. Barriers to ProblemSolving Different learning styles • The way someone learns will impact how he/she solves a problem. • If you don't understand your learning style is it can be a roadblock to being able to solve problems. • Some people learn primarily visually, others aurally, some through discussion, etc.
- 18. Activity • Complete theLearning Styles Inventory to find out what your learning style is
- 19. Are You aProblem Solver? We are constantly solving problems. The better we are at it, the easier our lives are. Problems come in many shapes and forms. They can be everyday problems: •What to have for dinner tonight? •Which route to take to work? Or they can be larger more complex problems: •How to fix a project that’s running behind schedule •How to change from a job you don’t like to a career you have always dreamed about
- 20. Activity: My problems Maketwo lists of all the problems you think you have right now or might have in the future. Everyday Problems Complex Problems
- 21. • Every dayyou will be faced with at least one or more problems to solve • Problems are simply choices. There’s nothing ‘scary’ about them other than having to make a decision • No matter what job you have, where you live, who your partner is, how many friends you have; you will have problems to solve • The more problems you can solve on your own, the happier you will be
- 22. Good Problem Solvers 1.Focus on the solution – not the problem •If you focus on the problem you will block your ability to come up with solutions •If you focus on the problem you may become emotional and emotions can also block potential solutions •Acknowledge the problem and then move your focus to the solution. Don’t focus on ‘what needs to be solved’, ‘what needs to be fixed’, ‘what went wrong’ and ‘who’s fault it is’
- 23. Good Problem Solvers 2.Have an open mind •Think about ‘ALL POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS’ – even if they seem silly at first •Keeping an open mind will boost creative thinking which can help you come up with solutions •‘No idea is a bad idea’ helps creative thinking when you brainstorm and use other problem-solving techniques
- 24. Good Problem Solvers 3.View problems neutrally •Try not to view problems as ‘scary’ things! If you think about it what is a problem? •All a problem is telling you is that something is not currently working and that you need to find a new way around it or a way to fix it
- 25. Good Problem Solvers 4.Think laterally •Change the ‘direction’ of your thoughts by thinking laterally •‘You cannot dig a hole in a different place by digging it deeper” •Try to change your approach and look at things in a new way •A fresh & unique approach usually stimulates a fresh solution
- 26. Good Problem Solvers 5.Use language that creates possibility •Lead your thinking with phrases like ‘what if…’ and ‘imagine if…’ •These terms open up our brains to think creatively and encourage solutions •Avoid closed, negative language such as ‘I don’t think…’ or ‘This is not right but…’.
- 27. Good Problem Solvers 6.Simplify things •As human beings we have a tendency to make things more complicated than they need to be! •Try simplifying your problem by generalizing it •Remove all the detail and go back to the basics •Try looking for a really easy, obvious solution – you might be surprised at the results!
- 28. Summary - GoodProblem Solvers: • Focus on the solution- not the problem • Have an open mind • View problems neutrally • Think laterally • Use language that creates possibility • Simplify things
- 29. Activity: Are youa good problem solver?
- 30. Problem Solving Steps •Step #1: Identify the problem • Step #2: Think about it • Step #3: Brainstorm solutions • Step #4: Select the best solution • Step #5: Implement the solution • Step #6: Evaluate the solution
- 31. Credits This Power Pointwas created by Laubach Literacy Ontario. The resources can be downloaded free of charge at www.laubach-on.ca. This Employment Ontario Project was funded by the Ontario Government. 2015 All website links were accurate at the time of original distribution-March 2015. All of the images and clip art used in this Power Point are from Clipart.com and Microsoft Office.com.
Editor's Notes
- #6 Complete any paperwork you haven't yet completed with the learners.
- #25 The term neutrally might be difficult for some learners so make sure you explain what it means. If necessary, have learners look the term up using a dictionary.
- #26 The term laterally might be difficult for some learners so make sure you explain what it means. If necessary, have learners look the term up using a dictionary.
- #31 Explain that the next few sessions will focus on the six steps and activities to acquire the skills to do those six steps when you are faced with a problem.