Definition
The 4 steps in problem solving involve the following; collect data to identify and analyze the problem, design an intervention to address the problem, and finally evaluate the intervention’s effectiveness. Data needs to be collected and analyzed to find patterns of strength and challenge that help define the problem. For example, if a teacher has a student who is struggling with reading, they need to give an assessment that specifically helps to identify the underlying problem. Subsequently, a hypothesis is created which focuses on solving the problem. After a hypothesis is made, an intervention plan is created. The intervention must take into consideration the time and intensity of the intervention. It is essential to implement an ongoing data collection, in order to monitor the progress of the intervention. Finally, an evaluation is performed to assess the interventions success.
The Power of the Model
When education is child centered, it is considered “best practice” but this may not be true for the problem solving. Child specific problems could indicate larger problems in the classroom, building, district, or community. This process can place a lens on issues that are both simple and complex and assist in creating solutions to bring about true school improvement. It is also a model that is scalable. It can be applied at the school wide level, in a classroom or with an individual student. Since the process is circular, it can be repeated until a successful intervention can be found.
Who Should be Involved ?
Educational problem solving is done best in teams. Teams can consist of a building or district administrator, classroom teacher, special education teacher, instructional coach, or any other educational professionals who are involved with the problem. The more diverse the problem solving team is, the greater the possibilities for different perspectives and creative solutions to the problem.
