General Procedural Model for Problem Solving John A. Cagle adapted from Adams & Galanes

Stages in Preparing a Speech Decision to Speak Purpose & Subject Information Needs Evaluate information Personal Interviews Books Periodicals Internet Organize Language Practice Deliver Speech Evaluate Results Create thesis & arguments

Stages in Group Problem Solving Exigency: Decision to act Nature of problem & fact finding Information needs Evaluate information Decide on best solution Develop implementation plan Plan & deliver report Evaluate Results Generate possible solutions Personal Interviews Books Periodicals Internet Evaluate possible solutions

PMOPS: General Procedural Model for Problem Solving n What is the nature of the problem facing us? n What might be done to solve the problem? n What are the relative merits and demerits of the possible solutions? n What is the best decision we can all support? n How will we put our solution into effect? n How can we prepare an effective written and oral report?

Action Items OwnerDue DateDescription Matin2/14/10how many people killed in Fresno County by drunk drivers a year Banu2/14/10how many arrests made each year of drunk drivers Joua2/14/10what % of drunk drivers get arrested Danny2/16/10what are current ways of solving problem

I. What is the nature of the problem facing us? n A. Focus on the problem before thinking about how to solve it. n B. Begin with a single, unambiguous problem question. –1. Problem questions focus on the problem (the undesirable state) and imply that many solutions are possible –2. Solution questions focus on what to do, suggesting a solution in the question itself

I. What is the nature of the problem facing us? C. Fact Finding: “Map” the problem carefully: who, what, why, when, where, how, how long, how serious n D. Be sure the group members agree on criteria [alternatively: Phase III task] –1. Absolute criteria must be met –2. Important criteria should be met

I. What is the nature of the problem facing us? n E. Be sure the group understands its interdependence, authority, autonomy resources, and relationship to other groups.

II. What might be done to solve the problem? n A. Defer judgment when seeking solutions. n B. Return to fact finding when new questions arise.

III. What are the relative merits and demerits of the possible solutions? n A. Analyze and evaluate the potential solutions against the criteria n B. Promote norms stressing critical examination of all issues.

IV. What is the best solution we can all support? n A. Which solution seems most likely to be accepted and supported by all persons affected by it? n B. Is there a compromise solution we can all accept as being likely to solve our problem? n C. Can we combine these ideas, or parts of them, into a solution?

V. How will we put our solution into effect? n A. Who will do what, when, and in what way? n B. What resources are needed? n C. Develop an implementation plan as complete as possible

VI. Reports n A. Write a persuasive written report to the appropriate parent body. n B. Plan an effective and persuasive oral presentation of the report.