Problem Solving in Inadequate School Structures

I am still diving deep into problem solving and how to teach problem solving to students. I previously posted my thinking framework for how I see myself teaching problem solving

How do you teach the problem-solving process to students? https://wp.me/p4covo-2tN

I would like to get into finer details of an actual lesson and activity development that brings to light some key aspects to learning how to solve problems, but not doing it in a way that feels like “school”.

I started to think about the following questions:

What strategies of problem solving affect  teaching?

I am trying to reflect on my process for what I do now. When I am in work meetings or leading a workshop or teaching a class, what exactly am I doing that is working and not working?

Why is problem-solving strategies helpful for every educator to teach?

While this seems common sense, I want to make sure I have an answer to the why to using learning opportunities for problem solving. I need to dive into proof and facts to justify the importance of these skills.

How will you integrate problem solving into your current discipline?

This comes from my course I am taking and I think this is an important question. Integration is key to everything so not making this one more thing in the schedule, but a natural part of the learning cycle.

And then comes Seth Godin

While I am exploring and learning I come across one of the greatest TED talks of Seth Godin. The man that makes my head spin as he challenges so many of my ideas. This is his talk from 2012 titled, Stop Stealing Dreams, where he talks about education.

And just this week his latest podcast is all about problem solving(what a coincidence!) that further challenges my thinking more.

Akimbo: Interesting Problems

Join the Conversation

And now I have a whole new frame of thinking about problem solving. I am challenging you to listen to the podcast, watch the TED talk, think about the questions above and join me for discussion over on Flipgrid. I am trying a new format to some of these posts where I am hoping to create some dialogue on these topics. I have already posted a video to start things off and would love to explore this concept with you all.

Here is the link for the Flipgrid channel for us to share, interact, and challenge our ideas. Head over, share your ideas, and let’s strike up a conversation about how we can make it happen!