Steps in Problem Solving Written by: Dr. Frank Flanders and Cate Buchanan Georgia CTAE Resource Network

Objective List and explain the seven steps in problem solving. List and explain the seven steps in problem solving.

What is problem solving? Problem solving is a process of working through the details of a problem to reach a solution. Someone seeking to solve a problem may use the seven steps of problem solving. Problem solving is a process of working through the details of a problem to reach a solution. Someone seeking to solve a problem may use the seven steps of problem solving.

Seven Steps in Problem Solving 1) Define and Identify the Problem 2) Analyze the Problem 3) Identifying Possible Solutions 4) Selecting the Best Solutions 5) Evaluating Solutions 6) Develop an Action Plan 7) Implement the Solution

Define and Identify the Problem Write down a statement which summarizes the problem. This statement may be long if the problem is complex. Write down a statement which summarizes the problem. This statement may be long if the problem is complex. Set a goal for solving the problem. Set a goal for solving the problem. Example: The computer will boot up but immediately turn itself off. Example: The computer will boot up but immediately turn itself off. When the problem is solved the computer will be usable.

Analyze the Problem Ask these questions: Ask these questions: How long has the problem been going on? How long has the problem been going on? What are the causes of the problem? What are the causes of the problem? What are the effects and symptoms of the problem? What are the effects and symptoms of the problem? Are there multiple steps to solving this specific problem? Are there multiple steps to solving this specific problem?

Identifying Possible Solutions Brainstorming Brainstorming Those working to solve the problem should come up with as many solutions as possible. Those working to solve the problem should come up with as many solutions as possible. Often one person’s ideas may spur the ideas of others. Often one person’s ideas may spur the ideas of others. All ideas should be written down to evaluate later. All ideas should be written down to evaluate later.

Selecting the Best Solutions In this step use the brainstormed list of possible solutions. In this step use the brainstormed list of possible solutions. Discuss each of the possible solutions and why they may or may not work. Discuss each of the possible solutions and why they may or may not work. Select the most feasible solution. Select the most feasible solution.

Evaluating Solutions Make a T chart with pros of the solution on one side and the cons on the other. Make a T chart with pros of the solution on one side and the cons on the other. Ask these questions after making the T chart: Ask these questions after making the T chart: What are the advantages of each solution? What are the advantages of each solution? Are there any disadvantages to the solution? Are there any disadvantages to the solution? Do disadvantages outweigh advantages? Do disadvantages outweigh advantages? Would the solution actually solve the problem? Would the solution actually solve the problem?

Develop an Action Plan Make a step by step plan which should include: Make a step by step plan which should include: Tasks, what is to be done Tasks, what is to be done Estimated time to complete each task Estimated time to complete each task Who will do each task Who will do each task When this plan is complete post it where it will be seen. When this plan is complete post it where it will be seen.

Implement the Solution Follow the steps in the Action Plan Follow the steps in the Action Plan If things start to get complicated make a three column chart: If things start to get complicated make a three column chart: What could go wrong? What could go wrong? How can you prevent this from happening? How can you prevent this from happening? How will we fix it if something does go wrong? How will we fix it if something does go wrong? Evaluate results: Evaluate results: Is the problem solved? Is the problem solved?

Common Mistakes in Problem Solving The problem is not well defined or there is denial that the problem exists. The problem is not well defined or there is denial that the problem exists. Goals are not clearly defined. Goals are not clearly defined. Opinions, emotions, feelings, and self- interest interfere with objective thinking. Opinions, emotions, feelings, and self- interest interfere with objective thinking. Individuals or groups jump to unwarranted conclusions. Individuals or groups are afraid to make mistakes.