An account of how a Slovakian school supports its students in developing problem-solving skills and creative thinking.
Purpose and process
This method is intended to provide students with a means of searching for an appropriate 'fit-for-purpose' way of solving a problem. When working through the details of a problem to reach a solution, it may become clear that the same 'rules' do not apply every time and everywhere; sometimes students may face a new problem and then have to develop their own solutions.
The problem-solving method promoted in this school is about searching for an alternative way of dealing with a problem and coming up with a previously unused or novel solution. It can be used from the very first stages of establishing a mini-company right through to the end of its existence and can cover: creating the company name, logo and business cards; developing a business plan and keeping records; selection of products and/or services to be offered; staff duties and responsibilities; how to wind up the company.
- Develop skills in problem-solving, decision-making and creative thinking;
- Expand their parameters to become skilled in divergent thinking and creativity;
- Become more confident in their ability to tackle unusual problems not encountered before and gradually develop a range of strategies to deal with them.
Curricular or thematic relevance
Relevant to all subjects, but especially applicable to STEM subjects; the method can also be used in the subject known as 'Training Firms' where students simulate everyday situations and learn about the problems associated with running a real company. It also fits well with the Slovakian national curriculum and others based on CEFR - the Common European Framework of Reference - in which the problem-solving method is recommended for use whenever possible.
How to organise:
Flexible - the method could be used in timetabled lessons and is also suitable for extra-curricular or suspended timetable activities.
Assessment and evaluation approaches
Continuous evaluation and reflection on students' actions needs to be built into the problem solving process.
Projects can be enriched by involving contact with companies in different sectors who are willing to share their methods and approaches to tackling business-related problems and/or to setting problem-solving challenges for the students.
helper do TM detail body (June 6th, 1st half)
This method is useful. I'm using pretty similar method quite often in company program, also in everyday work with my students. Students like this method of work. This method develops all learning outcomes described in the text.