General Procedural Model for Problem Solving John A

General Procedural Model for Problem Solving John A. Cagle adapted from Adams & Galanes

Stages in Preparing a Speech Decision to Speak Purpose & Subject Create thesis & arguments Organize Evaluate information Language Personal Practice Interviews Books Information Needs Deliver Speech Periodicals Internet Evaluate Results

Stages in Group Problem Solving Exigency: Decision to act Nature of problem & fact finding Information needs Evaluate possible solutions Decide on best solution Generate possible solutions Develop implementation plan Evaluate information Personal Interviews Books Periodicals Internet Plan & deliver report Evaluate Results

PMOPS: General Procedural Model for Problem Solving n n n What is the nature of the problem facing us? What might be done to solve the problem? What are the relative merits and demerits of the possible solutions? What is the best decision we can all support? How will we put our solution into effect? How can we prepare an effective written and oral report?

Action Items Owner Matin Banu Joua Danny Due Date Description 2/14/10 how many people killed in Fresno County by drunk drivers a year 2/14/10 how many arrests made each year of drunk drivers 2/14/10 what % of drunk drivers get arrested 2/16/10 what are current ways of solving problem

I. What is the nature of the problem facing us? n n A. Focus on the problem before thinking about how to solve it. B. Begin with a single, unambiguous problem question. – 1. Problem questions focus on the problem (the undesirable state) and imply that many solutions are possible – 2. Solution questions focus on what to do, suggesting a solution in the question itself

I. What is the nature of the problem facing us? n n C. Fact Finding: “Map” the problem carefully: who, what, why, when, where, how long, how serious D. Be sure the group members agree on criteria [alternatively: Phase III task] – 1. Absolute criteria must be met – 2. Important criteria should be met

I. What is the nature of the problem facing us? n E. Be sure the group understands its interdependence, authority, autonomy resources, and relationship to other groups.

II. What might be done to solve the problem? n n A. Defer judgment when seeking solutions. B. Return to fact finding when new questions arise.

III. What are the relative merits and demerits of the possible solutions? n n A. Analyze and evaluate the potential solutions against the criteria B. Promote norms stressing critical examination of all issues.

IV. What is the best solution we can all support? n n n A. Which solution seems most likely to be accepted and supported by all persons affected by it? B. Is there a compromise solution we can all accept as being likely to solve our problem? C. Can we combine these ideas, or parts of them, into a solution?

V. How will we put our solution into effect? n n n A. Who will do what, when, and in what way? B. What resources are needed? C. Develop an implementation plan as complete as possible

VI. Reports n n A. Write a persuasive written report to the appropriate parent body. B. Plan an effective and persuasive oral presentation of the report.