An activity to formulate thoughtful and reasoned solutions to a problem, with Nicole Sherwood.
A single problem often has many solutions, but for children and young people, it can seem impossible to figure out. Solving problems is a part of our everyday lives and is a skill that children need to learn to grow, develop independence and make informed decisions.
Navigating challenges encourages creativity, collaboration and flexible thinking, but what about coming up with five solutions for one problem?
Here, I look at how students can work together in the classroom to generate multiple solutions to a problem – and learn valuable skills for future challenges.
What is ‘one problem, five solutions’?
‘One problem, five solutions’ is a constructive technique to come up with several ways to tackle a challenge, so you can choose the best option. It encourages students to work together to identify and isolate the root cause of the problem and explore potential, actionable strategies to overcome the issue.
Students can use the strategy ‘one problem, five solutions’ as a thinking routine to practise generating multiple possible answers before choosing one of them. Together, they work in groups to identify five possible solutions to any given problem, exploring the factors behind each challenge and developing a response for each one.
Example activity
For example, teachers can pose a challenge such as, “How can you manage your time and complete all of your work?” Students then work together to identify possible solutions. As they collaborate, they can encourage one another to propose practical strategies that are both effective and sustainable.
Five solutions to this question could be:
- Work faster by breaking tasks into smaller, more manageable steps.
- Have a timer for each step or activity to know how long to spend on each part.
- Reduce distractions in the classroom, for example, by enforcing rules about when talking is allowed during work time or making sure all devices/games are put away.
- Start with the hardest part first to ensure no one runs out of time.
- Ask for help early so no time is wasted on being unsure of what to do.
What happens when…
…students have evaluated their options, chosen their solution and it didn’t work?
When students come up with theories, it is important that they understand there is no guarantee their first choice will be the perfect answer. Not every solution will achieve the desired outcome, and effective problem-solving often involves reflection, along with a degree of trial and error.
If a chosen solution doesn’t work as they expect, students can revisit the other ideas they came up with, combine elements from different approaches, or, develop entirely new solutions based on what they have learned. This helps them see that problem-solving is an ongoing process rather than a one-time decision.
Students can learn a lot from setbacks. They encourage them to consider different perspectives, challenge their assumptions and identify factors they have overlooked. With constructive feedback from you, the teacher, and by collaborating with each other, your students will develop resilience and learn that unsuccessful attempts are their chance to think differently, improve and try again.
By reflecting on what worked, what didn’t and why, students build the confidence and flexibility needed to tackle future challenges with creativity and determination.
Developing vital skills
When your students work in teams to tackle a problem, they can come up with new and creative ways to solve it together.
As a teacher using this activity, you’re building a vital thinking habit students can use on their own in any situation – whether or not they’re working in a group.
Author
Nicole Sherwood is the Content Writer for specialist education recruitment agency, Spencer Clarke Group, based in the heart of the North West. She writes content for their Education and SEND Career Hubs, including strategies and resources for teaching professionals.
