THE SIX STEPS OF PROBLEM SOLVING An Easy

THE SIX STEPS OF PROBLEM SOLVING An Easy approach to dealing with issues that face students 15 M 1883

OVERVIEW The six-step problem-solving process is an easy approach to dealing with issues and problems that face students. It’s a systematic way to approach a problem with clearly defined steps. Step 1: Identify the problem Step 2 : Analyse the problem Step 3 : Generate possible solutions Step 4 : Select and the plan the solution Step 5 : Implement the solution Step 6 : Evaluate the solution 15 M 1883

STEP 1: IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM The objective of this step is to identify the problem, this may sound simple however problems are usually tied to very emotional issues i. e. egos are usually connected to the problem or even the possible solution and because emotions are tied into the process , people often misread the problem. Parties involved should step back from the issue and thoroughly look at what's causing the problem. By utilizing the STAR Method- Stop , Think, Act and Review. This process can be effectively implemented. Bring up an agreement process that helps to bring everyone to the same page of agreement by Planning Doing, Studying and Acting irrelevant issues are filtered out and everything's in better perspective. Once the problem has been identified it should be written clearly and concisely, including a goal statement that’s focused on what the successful end of the process is. 15 M 1883

STEP 2: ANALYZE THE PROBLEM • Now that the problem is defined , analyse it to see what the real-bottom-line root cause is. Use information from diverse sources and should the information collected prove to be insufficient figure out how to collect and research. Take a closer look at the information gathered and try to figure out what's really going on. This is all done to arrive to a clearer understanding of the problem and its root causes. 15 M 1883

STEP 3 : GENERATE POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS Now that the problem has been analysed, develop possible solutions and generate as many alternative solutions as possible. This is a very creative and practical step where every possible solution or variation is identified. Use brainstorming as a means of generating as many solutions as possible without passing judgements at other peoples suggestions and then towards the end of the brainstorming session allow each person to clarify their suggestions so that a common understanding is reached and be used for a later selection 15 M 1883

STEP 4: SELECT AND PLAN THE SOLUTION Now that there a wide variety of possible solutions , its time to select the best solution to fix the problem given the circumstances, resources and other considerations. It is here where the best solution is selected with regards to considerations that could affect the solution e. g. money, time, procedures, rules etc. all of these factors should be talked through thoroughly as ineffective solutions are gradually eliminated and the best ones prioritized. With a clear PLAN of action the information regarding the solution should be collected and if need be the necessary adjustment should be made. 15 M 1883

STEP 5: IMPLEMENT THE SOLUTION Now that you’ve selected the best solution out of many possibilities, implement them to solve the problem at hand. This is basically the DO stage of PDSA. Select an alternative that’s most appropriate to goal, content, and available resources. 15 M 1883

STEP 6: EVALUATE THE SOLUTION Now that you’ve implemented the solution it is important that you evaluate whether or not the selected solution was effective and if not, why ? Analyse What other adjustments can be made, if necessary, to make the solution better, this careful analysis stage aims to improve upon the best solution using the information gathered during the DO stage, and after this analysis the parties involved should be ready to ACT upon their findings and the problem should be solved. 15 M 1883

THE SIX PROBLEM SOLVING STEPS 15 M 1883