THE SIX STEPS OF
PROBLEM SOLVING
An Easy approach to dealing with issues that face students
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OVERVIEW
The six-step problem-solving process is an easy approach to dealing with issues and
problems that face students. It’s a systematic way to approach a problem with clearly
defined steps.
Step 1: Identify the problem
Step 2 : Analyse the problem
Step 3 : Generate possible solutions
Step 4 : Select and the plan the solution
Step 5 : Implement the solution
Step 6 : Evaluate the solution
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STEP 1: IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM
The objective of this step is to identify the problem, this may sound simple
however problems are usually tied to very emotional issues i.e. egos are
usually connected to the problem or even the possible solution and because
emotions are tied into the process , people often misread the problem. Parties
involved should step back from the issue and thoroughly look at what's
causing the problem. By utilizing the STAR Method- Stop , Think, Act and
Review . This process can be effectively implemented. Bring up an agreement
process that helps to bring everyone to the same page of agreement by
Planning Doing, Studying and Acting irrelevant issues are filtered out and
everything's in better perspective. Once the problem has been identified it
should be written clearly and concisely, including a goal statement that’s
focused on what the successful end of the process is.
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STEP 2: ANALYZE THE PROBLEM
• Now that the problem is defined , analyse it to see what the real-bottom-line
root cause is. Use information from diverse sources and should the
information collected prove to be insufficient figure out how to collect and
research. Take a closer look at the information gathered and try to figure out
what's really going on. This is all done to arrive to a clearer understanding of
the problem and its root causes.
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STEP3 : GENERATE POTENTIAL
SOLUTIONS
Now that the problem has been analysed, develop possible solutions and
generate as many alternative solutions as possible. This is a very creative and
practical step where every possible solution or variation is identified . Use
brainstorming as a means of generating as many solutions as possible without
passing judgements at other peoples suggestions and then towards the end of
the brainstorming session allow each person to clarify their suggestions so that
a common understanding is reached and be used for a later selection
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STEP 4: SELECT AND PLAN THE
SOLUTION
Now that there are a wide variety of possible solutions , its time to select the
best solution to fix the problem given the circumstances, resources and other
considerations. It is here where the best solution is selected with regards to
considerations that could affect the solution e.g. money, time, procedures,
rules etc. all of these factors should be talked through thoroughly as
ineffective solutions are gradually eliminated and the best ones prioritized.
With a clear PLAN of action the information regarding the solution should be
collected and if need be the necessary adjustment should be made.
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STEP 5: IMPLEMENT THE SOLUTION
Now that you’ve selected the best solution out of many possibilities,
implement them to solve the problem at hand . This is basically the DO stage
of PDSA. Select an alternative that’s most appropriate to goal, content, and
available resources.
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STEP 6: EVALUATE THE SOLUTION
Now that you’ve implemented the solution it is important that you evaluate
whether or not the selected solution was effective and if not, why ? Analyse
What other adjustments can be made, if necessary, to make the solution
better, this careful analysis stage aims to improve upon the best solution using
the information gathered during the DO stage, and after this analysis the
parties involved should be ready to ACT upon their findings and the problem
should be solved.
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THE SIX PROBLEM SOLVING STEPS
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