Problem Solving Step 5

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

Step 5: I explore problems by thinking about the pros and cons of possible solutions

Outcomes

To achieve Step 5, learners will be able to explore problems by analysing the pros and cons of possible solutions.

In the previous step, learners developed the idea that there are some problems where there is not always one obvious answer and that there might be several possible answers or solutions. In this step, the focus is on how to be able to choose between those possible answers by thinking about the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Learners need to be able to:

Identify the pros and cons of possible answers for complicated problems
Evaluate the pros and cons to help make a decision

Introduction

Complicated problems are those that do not have one obvious answer or solution – there are a range of possible answers or solutions. That does not mean that we can’t reach a ‘best answer’ though.
When we are thinking through the different possible answers or solutions, we have to find some way of choosing between them. One of the simplest approaches to this is to think about:
- The Pros: this is the positive side of a possible answer or solution which could also be called the advantage of the solution.
- The Cons: this is the negative side of a possible answer or solution, also known as the disadvantage of the solution.
Ask the learners: What are the pros of travelling by car? What are the cons?

Skill Starter

Fantasy Tactics

Present a match scenario and explain the characteristics, formation, skills and strategy of a professional team for your sport.

Groups of 4 - 6 must use pros and cons to decide the characteristics, skills and formation of a ‘fantasy’ team to play against the coach’s.

Groups then take turns sharing their decision with the whole group. As a big group, discuss the pros and cons of each of the imaginary teams presented to decide which fantasy team is most likely to beat the coach’s team. Visual notes can be used to support.

15 mins

Group activity

Discussion

Writing

Teach & Apply

We can make a list of different options and then identify the pros and cons. It may be possible to see which option has the most pros but some parts might be more important than others.
We can then see that pros and cons can help us to understand what the advantages and disadvantages are of different solutions to complicated problems, and make the right choice that we care most about.

Optional Activity

Pass and Move

In groups of 4 – 6, with one ball per group, learners explore the different options for successful passing.

Each learner must come up with a different passing ‘option’ and teach it to their group.

Half of the groups then become defenders. Each defender must come up with one way of defending, before sharing it with their group.

The defender groups each join a ‘passing’ group; both sides must work to explore as many different ways to pass and defend as possible.

Groups switch roles half way. How many solutions can be created?

20 mins

Group activity

Discussion

Reflection & Assessment

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

Encourage learners to follow the structured process of generating the range of solutions and then using pros and cons to choose between them.

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

The learners can be posed a complicated problem where they have enough prior knowledge to be able to grapple with the content matter.
Ask learners these key reflection questions:
- What is meant by pros and cons?
- Why can it be helpful to use these on complicated problems?
- How can you use pros and cons to make a decision?