Page 22 - COMP-UP_IO4_Motivation Toolkit_ES_new

Activity no. 5 – Four-step problem solving (PowerPoint slide 17-22)
22
Total duration: approx. 60 minutes; Group size: <40

Introduce the four-step problem-solving model as per slide 17. Be sure to mention that it is the
best model there is! The following steps constitute the model, and are presented in order. See
PowerPoint for detailed information.

Step 1) Identify the problem (slide 18) Make sure you know as well as possible exactly
what the problem is. Exemplify through Luigi and Anna.
Step 2) Brainstorm (slide 19), have the students brainstorm possible solutions for Anna
and Luigi, moderate the discussion to emphasize and make sure that no judgement
whatsoever is to be given at this stage.
Step 3) Evaluate the pros/cons (Slide 20)
Students are to evaluate the pros/cons of possible solutions presented for Anna and Luigi
at step 2, first for 7 minutes individually then in general discussion in both cases.
Step 4) Do it! + evaluate (slide 21) The students are to make up a quick action plan for
Anna and Luigi on how they’re to go about implementing the solution.

Summarise by saying that these four steps should bring the students closer to a solution of
whatever problem they’re facing, and mention that in case the problem remains, they are to
return to step 2.

Lastly, have the students try themselves (slide 22), by identifying a problem they have in learning