Learn to Earn- Critical Thinking- Problem Solving

Learn to Earn- Critical Thinking- Problem Solving

Intermediate

Solve Problems

• A problem is something difficult that needs a solution. You find problems every day at home and at work.

• There are two parts to a problem.

• The parts are goals and barriers.

Goals and Barriers

• Goals are what you want to happen as a result of solving a problem.

• Barriers are the things that make it difficult to solve the problem. 

Read this example. Can you find the goal and the barrier?

Samantha is an assistant manager at a hotel. An angry guest calls her at 11:00 p.m. The guest says that the people in the next room are loud. They are having a party. The guest asks her to solve the problem quickly. The hotel always tries to make guests happy. The hotel policy says that loud noises must stop by 10:00 p.m.

Can you find the goal and the barrier?

Samantha has a goal to give all hotel guests good service. A loud guest is a barrier to her goal.

Steps to Solve Problems

• Solving complicated work problems is not always easy. These steps can help.

• 1. Identify the Problem

• 2. Find the Facts

• 3. Find Solutions

• 4. Make a Decision

• 5. Review the Result/Look for Feedback

1. Find the Problem

• You need to identify the problem before you can solve it. What is the goal? What is the barrier? Is this a simple problem? Is it complicated?

• Example: Samantha likes her job as an assistant hotel manager. She wants to change jobs to be an auto repair technician. She needs to take classes to be certified as an auto repair technician so she can find a job. She does not have anyone to care for her two young children while she is in school.

• Samantha’s goal is to find an auto repair job. She has two barriers to this job. She needs to get the certification to find a job. She also needs childcare during class times.

2. Find the Facts

• You need to look for the facts before you can solve a problem. It can be hard to find the facts. You may even find new barriers in this step.

• Example: Samantha needs to think about her barriers. Are there no options for childcare? Could she find a babysitter? Is childcare an excuse because she is nervous to attend classes? Does she really need to go to school to get a job? Can she find help to pay for her tuition? Is there a way to get training at a new job? 

3. Find Solutions

• After finding the facts, you can begin to determine solutions to a problem. Many times problems have more than one solution. In this case, it is necessary to determine the best possible solution based on the intended outcome of the problem. Read the chart below to determine the barriers, facts, and possible solutions for Samantha’s problem.

4. Make a Decision

• You can make a final decision after you look at each possible solution. You may consider the pros and cons of each solution. Then choose the best possible decision.

• What would you do if you were in Samantha’s place?

5. Review the Result/Look for Feedback

• Every decision has a consequence. You should always review your decisions in work and in life. Ask for feedback from people you trust. This will help you continue to make the best choices you can.

Multiple Choice

Which of these is NOT a step in problem solving?

• Making a decision

• Finding the problem

• Being in someone else’s place

• Finding solutions

Multiple Choice

When you find the facts, you

• Identify the important details of the problem.

• Review your decisions.

• Identify the problem.

• Make a chart.

Multiple Choice

A barrier

• Is something that you want to reach.

• Is something that stops you from reaching a goal.

• Helps you make a decision.

• Identifies your solution to a problem.

Multiple Choice

You do NOT need to ___________ to solve a problem. (Choose the answer that is not necessary when you are solving a problem.)

• Find the facts

• Identify a goal

• Get a job as an auto technician

• Identify barriers

Multiple Choice

When you make a decision, you

• Need training.

• Must find childcare.

• Should not make loud noises.

• Should think about the pros and cons.

Multiple Choice

If you are in someone else’s place, you

• Visit their home.

• Think what a situation is like for them.

• Work in their position for some time.

• Get in their way so they can’t work.

Multiple Choice

The good reasons to do something are called

• Pros.

• Cons.

• Barriers.

• Consequences.

Multiple Choice

Sometimes you have a job to do. If it is not easy. It is

• Excused.

• Resolute.

• Complicated.

Multiple Choice

Julia has a problem at work. She needs to find an answer. She will _______ her problem.

• Solve.

• Excuse.

• Result.

• Trust.

• https://youtu.be/jbqrpqCxnaE