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6-Step Problem-Solving Process
An easy approach to dealing with issues and problems that face people
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What is the 6-step problem-solving process?
It is a simple, systematic way to approach a problem with six clearly defined steps so that an individual or a team of people do not get bogged down with questions such as “What do we do next?!”.
In this lesson, a programmed example is used with a student- selected problem to use the process to determine a solution to the problem.
Overview
Each step of this process will be examined individually. Two practical examples are used to understand and apply the problem- solving process. To facilitate your understanding of this process, homework will be given where you use the problem-solving process on your own issues or problems.
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Step 1:
Identify And Select The Problem
•Emotions are part of the process. Emotional issues and egos are connected to the problem or possible solution. Thus people tend to misread a problem.
The STAR and the PDSA method should be followed to reach consensus. A problem should be identified and a goal statement should be noted to see the gap between problem and solution.
•E.g.) Some students came to class late, took long breaks and left class early.
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Step 2:
Analyse the problem
•People often get angry at peoples’ attitudes or actions without knowing the cause of the problem. Information needs to be gathered to establish the bottom-line root cause of the problem. Once a cause is found, plans can be made to fix it.
•E.g.) Students left class early to catch a bus. If not, they would be forced into waiting an extra hour for the next bus to arrive.
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Step 3:
Generate Potential Solutions
•This is the creative and practical step where every possible solution is brainstormed. There are no incorrect answers, thus judgement should not be passed onto any idea brought forward.
•E.g.) Students should not utilise all breaks, find alternate modes of transportation, stay and catch he bus later, etc.
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Step 4:
Select And Plan the solution
•Given the circumstances and resources, the best solution needs to be selected. What would work best depends on the individuals and what their resources are. Factors such as money, time, rules, policies and procedures need to be dealt with. The best solution can be obtained through a process of elimination. Once picked, it is now that a PDSA and a plan of action should be undertaken.
•E.g.) students are expected to return from breaks at the correct times.
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2015/05/08
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Step 5:
Implement the solution
•The “Do” stage of PDSA. The solution needs to tracked for the “Study”
stage. A scientific approach is required to observe the finer details of the solution.
•E.g.) Students began the process immediately. Times of arrival in the mornings, from breaks and times of departure were recorded.
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Step 6:
Evaluate The Solution
•The “Study” stage of PDSA. Questions such as whether the solution worked or not or what went right or wrong are asked. Ideas to make the solution work better are brought forward if necessary. Information gathered in the
“Do” stage is analysed to improve the solution. Once completed, findings should be acted upon and the problem should be solved.
•E.g.) Students tried this plan for 2 months. However this plan was not explained to new students. The teacher stepped in and included the new students of the plan.
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In a loop..
3.
5. 4.
2. Analyse the problem 6.
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The 6-step problem-solving process can be compared to recipe book. It gives one a simple approach to dealing with issues and problems that face daily life. Use this in a situation at home as homework. This process can help an individual, class, family or even a community to engage with each other to make better decisions and improve certain aspects of their lives.
This process is a valuable tool to solve difficult, challenging and complex issues.
Hence, use it!
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