Activity

Use your e-diary to record your thoughts on problem-solving.

1. The first step is to identify a problem for the exercise. Try to choose a real problem, rather than a made-up one. Consider, also, whether the problem is real to your learners. Remember that learning about things that are relevant and real will make the classroom come alive for learners.

A word of warning: We often choose problems that are too big. This makes it difficult to find real solutions to them. Consider the age and experience of your learners, and choose a problem accordingly:

- For young children it might be something as simple as: How can we make our classroom cooler in summer? Or how can the school stop big children bullying?

- For older children, you might want to consider something related to the larger community such as: How can we try to reduce crime in our local area? Or how can we improve the matric pass rate at our school?

We recommend that you read Finding a local context for your class activities.

Whatever problem you choose, make sure it is a problem where the solution/s can be implemented and evaluated fairly soon and easily.

2. When you have identified a possible problem, work through the problem-solving strategies outlined. When you have read about the different methods, make your own outline for solving problems. Use words which make sense to you, so that you fully understand the steps that your learners will follow. Bear in mind that you will need to help learners through the process and explain parts of it to them.

3. Plan your lesson/lessons carefully. Decide how the learners will work.

- Will you do any whole class activities?

- Will you include any individual work?

- Which parts of the process will involve group work? 

- How will the groups be formed?

- how will they report back on the solution they found?

Careful planning is important for this lesson.

4. Try the lesson/s with your learners.  Notice what happens and make brief notes of your observations during the lesson, and after it.

5. Write e-mail to your group about how your class was involved in problem-solving.  Don't describe the whole lesson.   Rather tell your group which problem-solving strategies you used and mention any interesting observations that you made. Do not be afraid to tell everyone if the lesson did not go well. Remember we learn from our mistakes. 

6. Respond to some of the messages written by your group members. Remember how important feedback is to this learning process. 
   Use your e-diary to make final comments about this activity.