Six Steps To Problem Solving

A simple systematic approach to problems and issues faced by students

By MK NKWANE g15N7271

TUESDAY GROUP

Step 1: Identify and Select the Problem

Step 2: Analyse the ProblemStep 6: Evaluate the Solution

Step 3: Generate Potential Solutions

Step 4: Select and Plan the Solution

Step 5: Implement the Solution

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Educational Goal There are two learning objectives which you will achieve

on completion of this lesson:1) Cognitive objective: comprehension of the problem-

solving process and consequently the ability to demonstrate its application/use

2) Affective objective: Appreciation of the value of what the problem-solving process can do for you as a student and evaluation of its effectiveness in being able to achieve your goals

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Step 1: Identify and Select the Problem Identifying the problem should

be an easy task however it is often clouded by emotional issues or even pride. Hence it is recommended that the problem be solved collectively with fellow peers to get different inputs in identifying the problem as different people have different perspectives.

In this step the “Star Method” is often implemented in conjunction with a consensus with the aim of solving the problem.

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An additional method is PDSA: Plan, Do, Study, Act which is implemented as we go along solving the problem

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Step 2: Analyse the Problem Analysing the problem refers to gathering information

about the problem. Should the amount of information be insufficient, then its

recommended that you conduct research that will enable you to collect more information.

Once all the information has been gathered, critically analyse what exactly is going on and try to come to a conclusion as to why the problem or issue persists.

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Step 3: Generate Potential Solutions Brainstorming is critical for this step to be able to

generate several possible solutions. There are no necessarily correct or incorrect answers and

therefore judgement of input given by others should not be subjected.

As the brainstorming sessions progresses to end, time for clarity must be given so that clarity can be given for the different suggestions that where discussed for clarity that will be necessary during later steps of the problem solving.

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Step 4: Select and Plan the Solution With the variety of solutions given it is now time to select the best

solution best suited to solve the problem given circumstances, resources and several other considerations that might affect the solutions.

Various factors that may influence the solution may include: money, time, people, procedures, policies or rules

By a process of elimination the group should prioritize which solutions would work best.

Eventually the group will come to a consensus i.e. agreement of the best one or even two solutions and ultimately the final best solution.

The group should then implement the PDSA method to have a clear plan of action on:

How to track the solution Gather information on how it is working Make necessary adjustments

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Step 5: Implement the Solution This is the execution or “DO” of stage of PDSA. Ensure the solution can be tracked to have information

to use in the STUDY stage. This step requires a scientific approach to make

observations as what is actually happening with the solution.

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Step 6: Evaluate the Solution This is the final step where we implement the “STUDY” stage of

PDSA. Several questions may be asked to evaluate the effectiveness of

the solution and they may include: Did the solution work? If not why not? What went wrong and/or what went right? What adjustments need to be made by the group to ensure that

the solution works better? It is during this final step that critical analysis of the solution is

done based on the information gathered during the “DO” stage. Following this final step, you are now ready to “ACT” upon your

findings and consequently your problem should be solved or better under control.

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Equipped for the Future In conclusion this is the procedure for solving problems and

making decisions: Anticipate or identify problems Use of information from diverse sources to arrive at a clearer

understanding of the problem and its root causes Generate the alternative solutions Evaluate your strengths and weaknesses of alternatives,

including potential risks and benefits as well as long-term and short-term consequences

Select an alternative that is most appropriate to your goal, context and available resources

Establish criteria for evaluating effectiveness of solution or decision

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