This document discusses problem solving as an essential 21st century skill. It defines problem solving as the process of working through a problem to find a solution, noting that problems come in everyday and more complex forms. The document outlines six traits of good problem solvers, including focusing on solutions rather than problems, having an open mind, viewing problems neutrally, thinking laterally, using possibility-creating language, and simplifying issues. It also presents a six-step problem solving process of identifying the problem, thinking about it, brainstorming solutions, selecting the best solution, implementing it, and evaluating the solution.

1. Problem
Solving
in the 21st
Century

2. Session A
Problem Solving Overview

3. What is problem solving?
 The process of working through a problem to
find a solution
 Not just math
 Is an essential skill you need for work,
learning and independence

4. Are You a Problem Solver?
We are constantly solving problems. The better we are at it,
the easier our lives are.
Problems come in many shapes and forms. They can be
everyday problems:
What to have for dinner tonight?
Which route to take to work?
Or they can be larger more complex problems:
How to fix a project that’s running behind schedule
How to change from a job you don’t like to a career you
have always dreamed about

5. Activity: My problems
Make two lists of all the problems you think have right now or might
have in the future.
Everyday Problems Complex Problems

6.  Every day you will be faced with at least one or
more problems to solve
 Problems are simply choices. There’s nothing
‘scary’ about them other than having to make a
decision
 No matter what job you have, where you live, who
you’re partner is, how many friends you have; you
will have problems to solve
 The more problems you can solve on your own, the
happier you will be

7. Good Problem Solvers
1. Focus on the solution – not the problem
If you focus on the problem you will block
your ability to come up with solutions
If you focus on the problem you may become
emotional and emotions can also block
potential solutions
Acknowledge the problem and then move
your focus to the solution. Don’t focus on
‘what needs to be solved’, ‘what needs to be
fixed’, ‘what went wrong’ and ‘who’s fault it
is’

8. Good Problem Solvers
2. Have an open mind
Think about ‘ALL POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS’
– even if they seem silly at first
Keeping an open mind will boost creative
thinking which can help you come up with
solutions
‘No idea is a bad idea’ helps creative
thinking when you brainstorm and use other
problem-solving techniques

9. Good Problem Solvers
3. View problems neutrally
Try not to view problems as ‘scary’ things! If
you think about it what is a problem?
All a problem is telling you is that something
is not currently working and that you need to
find a new way around it or a way to fix it

10. Good Problem Solvers
4. Think laterally
Change the ‘direction’ of your thoughts by
thinking laterally
‘You cannot dig a hole in a different place by
digging it deeper”
Try to change your approach and look at
things in a new way
A fresh & unique approach usually stimulates
a fresh solution

11. Good Problem Solvers
5. Use language that creates possibility
Lead your thinking with phrases like ‘what
if…’ and ‘imagine if…’
These terms open up our brains to think
creatively and encourage solutions
Avoid closed, negative language such as ‘I
don’t think…’ or ‘This is not right but…’.

12. Good Problem Solvers
6. Simplify things
As human beings we have a tendency to
make things more complicated than they need
to be!
Try simplifying your problem by generalizing
it
Remove all the detail and go back to the
basics
Try looking for a really easy, obvious solution
– you might be surprised at the results!

13. Activity: Are you a good
problem solver?
Think about whether you are a good problem solver. What things are
you good at? What things do you need to work on?
I am good at:
_______________________________________________
________________________________________________________
_____
________________________________________________________
_____
I need to work on:
___________________________________________
________________________________________________________
_____
________________________________________________________
_____

14. Problem Solving
Steps

15. Problem Solving Steps
 Step #1: Identify the problem
 Step #2: Think about it
 Step #3: Brainstorm solutions
 Step #4: Select the best solution
 Step #5: Implement the solution
 Step #6: Evaluate the solution