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.

1. Problem
Solving
Session 1
Introduction

2. In this session we 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 Problem Solving 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 end of 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. Paperwork

6. Expectations
• Understand your role 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 the module 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 critical thinking?
• 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 skills are important because
they support the ability to be able to problem-
solve effectively and to make good decisions.

11. Critical Thinkers
• ask questions
• gather and assess relevant information
• are open-minded
• can communicate and work with others to solve
problems

12. • In order to 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 problem solving?
• 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 there is 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
Controlling your 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
Fear and 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 Problem Solving
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 the Learning Styles Inventory to find out
what your learning style is

19. Are You a Problem 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
Make two lists of all the problems you think you have right
now or might have in the future.
Everyday Problems Complex Problems

21. • Every day you 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 - Good Problem 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 you a 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 Point was 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.