Course: Professional Competencies
Part of Class Time
Objective Trainees will be able to determine two problems in the community and
N/A suggest solutions to those problems.
Competencies N/A PCE13-Proposes and Evaluates Multiple Solutions
Text Used N/A What is Problem Solving- Problem Solving Process
Formative N/A What: Reflecting on feedback received
Assessment Due when: By the end of the class
Feedback Focus: Reflection
Pre-Work N/A Trainees will have to identify two problems in the community. This will be
done by observing the community trainees live in and talking to people to
find two potential problems that the community is facing.
Trainees may write these problems and associated notes on paper.
Introduction: 5 min In the journey of being a professional and succeeding at the University,
Framing and every person has to be able to solve problems. No one ever plans to meet
Rationale with problems, instead, they come unexpectedly. That’s why it is important
How does this to develop the ability to solve problems by using different means.
lesson fit into
the broader This class will give trainees the ability to assess their problem-solving skills
context of the and boost them through different practices that connect them with the
course? Why is community. The class uses an interactive approach to assess the problem-
the skill helpful solving ability that trainees have.
to students in
the long term?
Warm up 5 min Prompt: Discussion in pairs
The goal of this
time is to get Describe a time when you faced a problem that affected you. What was the
students problem? What did you do to solve the problem? What did you learn from
thinking/writing the whole process?
and to build
stamina.
Include a
prompt and
timing. There
may be some
classes where
this is not
included.
Introduction to 15 min The Trainer says: “In today’s class, we are going to assess our problem-
New Materials solving ability in different ways. It is believed that everyone knows how to
solve a problem using one way or another. However, we need to evaluate
our ways of solving problems and see how they can help us at the
workplace. Remember that you cannot avoid problems, but you can solve
problems. Now, let’s see what we can do to solve problems when working
individually or working with others.”
Trainer asks trainees:
● What is the meaning of problem-solving skills in your
understanding?
○ Problem-solving skills refer to our ability to solve problems
that we face or others face in a timely and effective way.
○ It uses different steps that help to analyze the problem and
come up with the best solution out of possible solutions.
○ Problem-solving skills refer to our ability to solve problems in
an effective and timely manner without any impediments. It
involves being able to identify and define the problem,
generating alternative solutions, evaluating and selecting the
best alternative, and implementing the selected solution.
Trainers give 2-3 trainees a chance to share their ideas.
The trainer says: “Now if we have some understanding of problem-solving
skills, we need to start assessing our problem-solving approaches.
Remember that you can have your own approach to solve problems, but
working as a team may make a big difference.”
Trainer asks trainees in pairs to discuss the meaning of this quote:
Problems are only opportunities in work clothes.
– Henry Kaiser (American industrialist)
2-3 trainees may share their understanding. Note that there can be different
understandings, but the core is to know that problems, when solved, create
a lot of opportunities.
Group Practice 60 min Part 1: Ice-breakers (15 min)
and/or
Processing Trainees will be in pairs and solve this puzzle (to be printed) given on the
Activities papers. They have to work together. The task is for the trainees to use their
critical thinking and problem solving to show the full path from the start to
the end.
Note to trainer: For the puzzle resource, print the drawing on the first page
only. The one on the second page is a hint to trainers of what trainees have
to draw.
After this activity, trainees will reflect on the following questions:
● How did you come up with the way to get out?
● What principles did you put in place to solve the puzzle/problem?
● How are these principles applicable in real life?
Note: The trainer should have printed copies for pairs and distributed them
ahead of time. Also, it could be good for trainees to use pencils as they may
need to erase some mistakes as they are finding their way.
Part 2: Problem-solving Steps (15 min)
In small groups of 5, trainees will read through this resource. While reading,
they will discuss the following questions:
● What are the steps in the problem-solving process?
● How can you explain each step?
● Did you apply any steps from the previous group activity? Which
one?
After 10 min, trainees will share out in this format:
● They will form new groups in which people from the same group
cannot be in the same group again.
● Each participant will share what his/her team discussed.
● All participants will discuss, but note down any questions they might
have.
After sharing, the trainer will answer any questions that trainees might have.
Part 3: Problem Solving Scenarios (Role-play) (20 min)
Trainees will join new groups and work on one of these scenarios. They
will be acting on what they can do to solve the problem presented. In this
activity, trainees will focus on applying problem-solving steps from the
previous activity. After acting in their small teams, the trainer will choose
randomly, three teams to act in front of the whole class. After sharing, the
whole class will reflect on whether the steps of problem-solving have been
demonstrated in the process.
Independent 30 min Each trainee will revisit the problem identified in the pre-class and
Practice and/or brainstorm one best solution for each. A trainee has to try to use the steps
Application described in the previous activities.
A trainee will have to answer the following questions:
● What is the problem?
● What are possible solutions?
● What is the best solution and why?
● How can the solution be implemented?
Closing 5 min Trainer will answer questions that trainees might have on the content cover
or provide general feedback based on the activities completed during class
time.
