Problem Solving Meeting
Problem solving meeting steps:
1. Launching the problem-solving meeting: We agree to try to solve a problem for
a win-win solution with no blaming or naming. Thumbs up if you agree to help
solve the problem.
2. Identifying the problem. (Pick one problem.) The problem is:
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We need to move our chairs for Class Meetings, but the class below us complains
about the noise.
My friend loaned me his laptop. I accidentally dropped it on the bus and now it won’t
start up. I just found out the laptop really belongs to his older brother.
I asked Tiffany to the prom and she said ‘yes’. I just found out she really wants to go
with Jack who asked Nora to the prom. My friend said Tiffany said ‘yes’ to make Jack
jealous.
3. Background of the problem: Now you have opportunities to describe your
experience with the problem. (what have you noticed about this problem?
What’s getting in the way of…? What rules are being broken? What are the
causes…effects?) We will list all information relevant to this problem.
4. Brainstorming solutions. This is where we list all possible solutions. Think
outside the box for a win-win solution. (What would help us solve the problem?
What would help us follow our agreements?)
5. Decision making. We all participate in choosing a best solution. If the problem is
relevant to only one or a few people, we make a group recommendation of
what might be a good solution. (Promote conversation that works to assess the
feasibility and plausible success of each possible solution.) We will vote if
necessary and make a decision.
6. Action: This is where we develop action steps that will lead to a resolution
based on the solution we have chosen. Let’s list our steps in order.
1.
2.
3.
4.
How will we keep track of our progress? How do we know if we are heading
toward our solution? How will we decide if our solution is working?
Problem Solving Reflection:
What factors build the wall of resistance?
What will it take to climb over the wall?
How will Class Meetings be successful in your classroom?