Problem Solving Step 2

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

Step 2: I complete tasks by explaining problems to someone for advice if I need

Outcomes

To achieve Step 2, learners will approach difficult problems by seeking advice from an appropriate person to help them to solve the problem.

This builds off the previous steps which focused on being able to complete tasks by following instructions, or finding someone to help if they needed it. This step changes the focus to explaining problems and asking for advice so that the learner can then complete the task.

Learners need to be able to:

Explain to someone else which aspect of a task or problem they are unable to complete
Understand how to act on the advice that they are given

Introduction

A problem is something which is causing us difficulties which we need to fix. Often, we are able to work out how to solve problems ourselves, but we all have times when we need help from others.
Revisit prior learning by asking the learners “When do you know it is time to ask someone for help?”.

Skill Starter

Killer

Two learners are picked as ‘Killers’, all others have a football (or similar) and dribble around the space in control of their ball.

On the Coach’s whistle, the two ‘Killers’ enter the area and aim to steal/kick learners’ balls out of play. The last player remaining wins.

Afterwards, learners must identify the problem and solutions available. Discuss as a group.

20 mins

Group activity

Discussion

Active

Teach & Apply

This step is about how to explain a problem we have to someone else so that they can help us.
Start with the goal – what are you trying to do, and why? It is important that whoever is helping you knows what you are trying to achieve so they can see whether their suggestions will help to achieve that.
The challenge - what you have got stuck on? Once the other person understands what you are trying to do, you can explain what is stopping you from being able to do that. For example, maybe you don’t understand a particular instruction, you can’t find something, or you can’t physically reach something.
Attempts already - what you have tried so far? It is worth telling the other person what you have tried already – this will stop someone suggesting things that you have already tried.
Advice is an opinion that someone gives you about what you should do. We need to be open to the advice of others, whilst still thinking about it and checking that it makes sense before using it. Remember to draw on some of your Listening skills – making sure to ask questions to check your understanding, if needed.

Optional Activity

Printer Problem

Ask learners to imagine they need to print tickets off for an event they are planning on going to tomorrow. They do not have a working printer. How would they explain their problem to a friend and what advice would they hope they could give them? Try to write 2 or 3 different solutions they might suggest to help.

15 mins

Individual activity

Writing

Reflection & Assessment

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

Prompt learners to seek advice if they cannot solve a problem on their own and praise their ability to act on it.

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

This step is best assessed through observation over time. For example, by observing whether learners are able to effectively articulate problems that they are facing and act on good advice.
Ask these reflective questions:
- How can you best explain a problem you are having to someone else – what do they need to know?
- What mistakes could you make when trying to explain a problem?
- How can you make sure you listen well to advice?