Steps in Problem Steps in Problem SolvingSolving

Written by:Written by:Dr. Frank FlandersDr. Frank Flanders

and Cate Buchanan and Cate Buchanan Georgia CTAE Resource Georgia CTAE Resource

NetworkNetwork

ObjectiveObjective

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

What is problem solving?What is problem solving? Problem solving is a process of Problem solving is a process of

working through the details of a working through the details of a problem to reach a solution. problem to reach a solution. Someone seeking to solve a problem Someone seeking to solve a problem may use the seven steps of problem may use the seven steps of problem solving.solving.

Seven Steps in Problem Solving Seven Steps in Problem Solving 1)1) Define and Identify the Define and Identify the

ProblemProblem2)2) Analyze the ProblemAnalyze the Problem3)3) Identifying Possible Identifying Possible

SolutionsSolutions4)4) Selecting the Best Selecting the Best

Solutions Solutions 5)5) Evaluating SolutionsEvaluating Solutions6)6) Develop an Action PlanDevelop an Action Plan7)7) Implement the Implement the

SolutionSolution

Define and Identify the ProblemDefine and Identify the Problem Write down a statement which Write down a statement which

summarizes the problem. This statement summarizes the problem. This statement may be long if the problem is complex. 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 Example: The computer will boot up but immediately turn itself off. immediately turn itself off. When the problem is solved the When the problem is solved the computer will be usable.computer will be usable.

Analyze the ProblemAnalyze the Problem Ask these questions:Ask these questions:

• How long has the problem been going How long has the problem been going on?on?

• What are the causes of the problem?What are the causes of the problem?• What are the effects and symptoms of What are the effects and symptoms of

the problem?the problem?• Are there multiple steps to solving this Are there multiple steps to solving this

specific problem?specific problem?

Identifying Possible SolutionsIdentifying Possible Solutions BrainstormingBrainstorming

• Those working to solve the problem Those working to solve the problem should come up with as many should come up with as many solutions as possible. solutions as possible.

• Often one person’s ideas may spur the Often one person’s ideas may spur the ideas of others.ideas of others.

• All ideas should be written down to All ideas should be written down to evaluate later.evaluate later.

Selecting the Best SolutionsSelecting the Best Solutions In this step use the brainstormed In this step use the brainstormed

list of possible solutions.list of possible solutions. Discuss each of the possible Discuss each of the possible

solutions and why they may or may solutions and why they may or may not work.not work.

Select the most feasible solution.Select the most feasible solution.

Evaluating SolutionsEvaluating Solutions Make a T chart with pros of the solution Make a T chart with pros of the solution

on one side and the cons on the other.on one side and the cons on the other. Ask these questions after making the T Ask these questions after making the T

chart:chart:• What are the advantages of each solution?What are the advantages of each solution?• Are there any disadvantages to the Are there any disadvantages to the

solution?solution?• Do disadvantages outweigh advantages?Do disadvantages outweigh advantages?• Would the solution actually solve the Would the solution actually solve the

problem?problem?

Develop an Action PlanDevelop an Action Plan Make a step by step plan Make a step by step plan

which should include:which should include:• Tasks, what is to be doneTasks, what is to be done• Estimated time to complete each Estimated time to complete each

tasktask• Who will do each taskWho will do each task

When this plan is complete When this plan is complete post it where it will be seen.post it where it will be seen.

Implement the SolutionImplement the Solution Follow the steps in the Action PlanFollow the steps in the Action Plan If things start to get complicated make a If things start to get complicated make a

three column chart: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 Common Mistakes in Problem SolvingSolving

The problem is not The problem is not well defined or there well defined or there is denial that the is denial that the problem exists.problem exists.

Goals are not clearly Goals are not clearly defined.defined.

Opinions, emotions, Opinions, emotions, feelings, and self-feelings, and self-interest interfere interest interfere with objective with objective thinking. thinking.

Individuals or Individuals or groups jump to groups jump to unwarranted unwarranted conclusions.conclusions.

Individuals or Individuals or groups are groups are afraid to make afraid to make mistakes. mistakes.