Future Problem Solving Steps

for
Professional Learning Community Scenario
Team Members Names:

STEP 1: Brainstorm Sub-problems

Brainstorm 20 sub-problems that show your understanding of the problem
scenario. Sentences are not needed. Jot down enough words to simply
remember the problem.

Rules for Brainstorming: •Seek Quantity •Seek Wild Ideas

•Hitch-hike on Other’s Ideas
•Defer Judgment: Accept Other’s Ideas
•Avoid Conversation About Ideas

•Avoid Conversations About Ideas

PART A.

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 (Step 1 Continued)

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PART B. Discuss and sort through all the problems listed by discussing: If a
problem were resolved, would other sub-problems also be solved as well? Are there
a few sub-problems that cluster into a problem category? Which problems are of
highest priority to address?

From brainstormed list, place a  by your top 5 problems that seem to be the most
important. Elaborate on each problem with a clear description as possible. Imagine
they will be read by someone who has missed your group discussion and who has
little background on the scenario but needs to understand the key issues. Use
complete sentences. Share the task of writing.

Key: Explain WHAT the problem is. WHY it is a problem. WHO is involved and
How it relates to the larger problem scenario. Include research citations as
much as possible.

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 Step 2 Identify the Underlying Problem

Based on the problems you listed in Step 1, identify a problem of major

importance. Think in terms that if “this” problem were solved, many or all of the
other problems might also be resolved.

Write your underlying problem in a question format using the components in

the following order:

•In what ways might we (use this exact phrase}

•Use a positive verb that describes what action is planned
•Followed by the object of your action

Example: In what ways might we inspire students to complete homework so they

develop a high self-esteem and become productive learners?

Tip: Do not be too general as, “In what ways might we inspire students to be
perfect learners so they are always successful? (homework is one key focus to solve
rather than making students perfect)

Identify and Elaborate the Underlying Problem:

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 Step 3: Brainstorm Alternative Solutions

Now is the time for truly creative work to begin. That is, solving the problem.
•Focus on the Underlying Problem Statement you chose to solve. Don’t brainstorm
ideas for other problems that you didn’t identify as your key target to solve. Stay
focused on your problem statement. You will be evaluated on relevant solutions
connected to your problem statement.

•Follow the rules for brainstorming.

•Think of realistic and creative ways to attack the problem involving many types of
people and approaches. Creativity counts!!

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PART B: From your Solution List, select 5 of your best solutions with a . Make
sure each solution actually attacks the problem you have chosen. Do not choose
solutions that solve other problems even if they seem like great ideas.

PART C.: Elaborate on your top 5 solutions. Each solution must be described as
completely as possible so it will be easily understood. Remember the rule that the
person reading your work should be able to completely understand as if they had
been a part of the team discussion.

Use the following questions to elaborate on your best solutions.

WHO will do this? WHO is affected?

WHAT exactly is doing to be done? What will be accomplished by doing this?
WHY will this solution solve the problem?
HOW will this solution work?
Use WHEN and WHERE if it is important to know about the solution.

Write top five elaborated solutions:

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 Step 4 Develop Criteria to Evaluation Solutions

The purpose of this step is to choose 5 criteria that will measure the quality of
your solutions you have selected. These criteria should help you sort out the
best solution.

PART A:
Brainstorm all the considerations that might help you evaluate your solutions so
you can find the best one. Think about:
•What things would be important to your specific problem?
•What people or groups might be affected and what is important to them?
•What could prevent the problem from being solved?
•How are your various solutions different from each other?
•What might make some solutions better than others?
•What else is important to consider?

PART B:
Write your top five criteria in the following way:

•Write in question form such as: “Which solution is…or Which solution will….

•Write in terms of a “positive degree:” Which is the best use…..(not worst). Such as,
“Which solution is the best use of time?”

•Use superlatives in phrasing your criteria: most, greatest, least, best. Example:
Which solution is the least expensive or which is the most cost effective?

•Each criterion should be important to the problem you have identified. If cost
really isn’t a problem—don’t use a criterion.

• Develop criteria that relates directly to the problem you decided to solve. Don’t
get off topic.

PART C: List top 5 Criteria . (Notice they will be assigned letters that
correspond on the Criteria Grid)

1=A.

2=B.

3=C.

4=D.

5=E.
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 Step 5 Evaluate Alternative Solutions

PART A. From your list of solutions in Step 3, write them in the grid in the
“Alternative Solutions” boxes.

Notes for Ranking:

Rank Solutions 1-5
5=Best
1=Lowest Criteria

# Alternative Solutions Total

A B C D E Points

1. Timeline 5 3 4 2 3 17

2. Rubric 4 2 5 5 4
20
3. Posting for Parents 3 1 3 1 5 13

4. Dropping Lowest Quiz 2 4 1 4 1 12

5. Catch-up Day 1 5 2 3 2 13

PART B. Rank Your Solutions

•Start with Criterion A and Rank down the column of solutions.

•Rank your top solution with “5”
•Next rank the worst solution “1”
•Rank next highest solution “4”
•Rank next worst solution “2”
•Then mark remaining solution as “3”

REPEAT this process with Criterion B, C, etc.

Each solution must have a whole number. Don’t rank tw o solutions

with the same number. It challenges the team to finely distingue ish between
the solutions as it relates to the criteria and results in clear, focused decision-
making.
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PART C. Total the number of points across the grid for each solution.
Circle the highest number of points, which is your top solution.

If you disagree with the highest scoring solution, it is usually due to one of
three reasons:

•The criteria are not adequate

•Your rank-ordering of solutions in the grid needs to be re-thought or,

•You are mistaking “favorite” solution for the “best” solutions. That isn’t
always true.

PART D: Write your top solution in the square below?

Elaborate Top Solution with:

who, what, where, when, why and how

The teacher develops a rubric for assignments and assessments in the

classroom. A hardcopy is given to students with the corresponding
assignments. Students will be aware of the expectations and quality of
work required. This also makes teacher grading more objective.
 Step 6 Create a Plan to Implement Solution

PART A. Discussion and Notetaking: Describe in terms of What, Who, Where,

When, How, Why.

Solution Steps: What are the steps of your solution? In what order will they occur?
Why?

Stakeholders: Who is affected? Who is involved? Who gains? Who loses? Who
will carry out the plan?

Places: What locations are involved? How? Why?

Timing: When will the steps of the solution occur? In what order will they occur?
Why?

Anticipation: What obstacles can be anticipated? Some of your criteria may have
revealed problems. What objections or disadvantages will there be? How will they
be overcome?

Precautions: What safeguards against failure will you create? How can this be pre-
tested or tried out? What insurance is there against failure?

Disadvantages:

Advantages: Describe the advantages. Your criteria may help.

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Part B. Write a complete description of your solution reflecting all planning
components from your discussion. Length should be written within the full
elaboration in the “Box for Plan for Best Solution” and on the following page if
needed.

Plan for Best Solution

Describe the following components of your plan in paragraphs:
Solution steps:
•Stakeholders:
•Places:
•Timelines for Steps:
•How Obstacles/disadvantages will be resolved:
•Advantages of Solution:

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 Professional Learning Community Team Member Signatures:

1. __________________________________________________________________________________

2. __________________________________________________________________________________

3. __________________________________________________________________________________

4. __________________________________________________________________________________

5. _________________________________________________________________________________

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