Problematic Situation
Description
A strategy whereby teachers introduce a compelling problem or scenario that establishes
a purpose for reading to engage student interest and stimulate inquiry.
Purpose
Use before, during, and after reading to:
•
Activate students’ existing background knowledge
•
Motivate students to want to read text and explore ideas
•
Make connections to new concepts
•
Focus readers on the main ideas presented in text
•
Help readers analyze problem/solution relationships
•
Ask students to provide supporting evidence
Directions
1. Design a motivating, problematic situation to stimulate students’ interest about
important information or concepts in the text material they will read. The situation should
be authentic and require analytical or evaluative thinking to resolve. As appropriate,
include affective components (e.g., emotions, values) in the “problem.”
Examples of problematic situations
Social Studies Assignment: Read chapter 7, Ratifying the Constitution. As a newspaper
reporter in the late 1780s, you have been asked to write an editorial determining if the
process established for ratifying the Constitution is fair. The publisher also wants you to
discuss whether or not the Constitution should be ratified. Based on your knowledge of
that time period, what arguments would you include in your editorial?
Science Assignment: Energy article, www.eia.doe.gov/kids/renew/renewables A
company called Northeast Energy recognizes the limited supply of fossil fuels and they
have been encouraging their clients to conserve energy. While conservation is an
important step, at some point in the not-so-distant future, they realize our supplies of
fossil fuels will be depleted and we will be forced to rely completely on alternative
energy sources. You have been contracted to evaluate the feasibility of using perpetual
and renewable energy sources to provide power for their client, particularly solar, wind,
hydroelectric, geothermal, biomass, and nuclear power. They are also interested in any
other alternatives to fossil fuels. What information can you provide that will help them in
their future planning?
2. Prior to asking students to read one or more text selections, introduce the problematic
situation and, in cooperative groups, ask them to brainstorm possible results or solutions
to the problem. Suggest each group record their responses and discuss the pros and cons
of each solution. Have the groups share their thinking with the whole class.
3. Ask students to read the text selection, looking for information that supports their
solutions.
4. Ask students to refine or modify their initial solutions as they gain evidence from their
reading.
English Language Arts
After reading Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby
To help students connect with the culture and behaviors of the century before them, set
up a problematic situation that involves them in a reenactment of a portion of the novel,
such as Jay Gatsby’s party in chapter 3.
Mathematics
After reading chapter on measurement units, systems, and processes of measurement
Create an applied, real-life Problematic Situation that will demonstrate student
understanding of key ideas from their reading.
Science
Before, during, and after reading text and online resources about alternative energy
Set up a problematic situation to stimulate student inquiry about the impact of alternative
energy.
Social Studies
After reading about the writing and ratification of the Constitution
Have students develop persuasive writing skills in conjunction with the study of
Constitutional history by setting up a creative way for them to evaluate the ratification
process and communicate their learning,