Problem Solving Step 0

Problem Solving: The ability to find a solution to a situation or challenge.

Step 0: I complete tasks by following instructions

Outcomes

To achieve Step 0, learners will show that they are able to follow simple instructions to complete tasks.

This is the first step towards becoming an effective problem solver, and is strongly related to some of the early steps around listening (being able to recall and follow simple instructions). The difference here is that the instructions might also be provided in a written or visual format.

Learners need to be able to:

Understand what instructions are
Understand how to be sure to follow instructions

Introduction

Instructions tell or show us how to do something.
They can help us to solve problems or learn how to do something new. For example, a recipe is a set of instructions, in a particular order, to tell you how to bake or cook something. A map with directions is a set of instructions to help you find your way to somewhere. In sports we use instructions to play the game and follow warm up activities.
Instructions come in different forms and could include pictures, words or someone telling you verbally or visually.

Skill Starter

Traffic Lights

The whole group needs to move around an allocated area whilst reacting to the coach’s visual instructions, which consist of holding up coloured cones:

Green = learners continue running around
Yellow = learners run on the spot
Red = learners stop and stand still.

The coach should move around the space and vary the use of cones/traffic lights to encourage lots of movement, whilst emphasising the need for visual observation in order for learners to follow instructions.

10 mins

Group activity

Active

Teach & Apply

Almost all instructions will follow an order: you have to do one thing, then the next, and then the next.
If we do not follow the order, it is unlikely that the task will be completed accurately.
Before we get ready to follow instructions, it can help to:
- Know what the goal is
- Have space to focus and concentrate
- Check the instructions before getting started
- Work through them in order
- Check them as you go, so you know when to move on

Optional Activity

Numbers Game

In an allocated area, learners move around, awaiting instructions.

The coach shouts a number, between 1 and 5 and learners link arms to form a group that totals the number shouted out.

Players work quickly to form correctly-sized groups. They score a point when forming a correctly-sized group.

The coach can prompt (visually and verbally) to assist players to solve problems, praising learners when instructions are followed.

25 mins

Group activity

Active

Reflection & Assessment

Embed these strategies across your teaching and coaching to help learners apply what they’ve learnt.

Highlight examples of where we follow instructions to solve everyday problems.

Use these ideas for ways of assessing this skill step to help you check learners’ understanding and confidence.

Observe how learners follow instructions to solve a problem. Do they follow each step in the correct order?
Ask these reflective questions:
- What is meant by instructions?
- Can you give any examples?
- How do we best prepare to follow instructions?