Facilitating Problem Solving

In this section, we explore high quality practices that can support young people to develop problem-solving skills. Problem solving is defined as “abilities to plan, strategise, and implement complex tasks.” 

This will involve young people: engaging in projects that involve organising actions over time; learning through cycles of strategic planning, execution, responding to emergent problems, and trial and error; and reflecting on how the outcomes of their efforts provide information that helps to build and verify their skills. 

This module will support you to: 

  • Understand the basics of how and where learning and problem solving occur in the brain; 

  • Identify problem solving components and strategies; 

  • Apply the DEAL method of problem solving; and 

  • Practice supporting young people to problem solve ‘in the moment’ through guiding questions. 

The key staff and volunteer practices that support this skill area are…. 

  • Providing structure for youth-led projects; 

  • Model​ling skills and providing opportunities to observe models of successful work; 

  • Scaffold​ing – providing assistance (as needed) to help young people learn and solve problems on their own’ 

  • Asking open-ended questions​; and 

  • Ensuring reflection.

We will explore and practice these approaches in the training. You can find more detail in your participant notebook (see below) as well as on page 109 of the Thrive Guide. 

 

Resources

A series of resources to enhance your practice to support young people to develop problem-solving skills.

Problem Solving: participant notebook

In this workbook, you will find the following activities: 

  • DEAL Card Sort 

You can use this activity in a range of different ways to support or lead a young person through an issue or problem. You can also use it to practice using your own problem or challenge. 

  • Role-Play Scenarios for Facilitating Problem Solving 

Choose one of the scenarios to role-play. One person can act as the staff member, another can act as a young person, and a third person can observe and take notes.  Take turns so that everyone in your group has an opportunity to participate in one of the roles. After each role-play, debrief using the DEAL model. 

  • Reflection Questions 

Two questions to help you to reflect on your key learning and take-aways from this section. 

  • Implementation: DEAL with it! 

Use this worksheet to develop a plan for how to improve problem solving opportunities in your work with young people. 

 

See more
Problem Solving: DEAL Card Sort

A printable version of the Deal Card Sort activity, for use with young people. 

See more

Further Reading

A selection of articles, books and websites offering additional resources designed to deepen your understanding.

SESD Resource Hub: Developing Socio-Emotional Skills

For more tools and resources, check out the ‘Developing Socio-Emotional Skills’ section of the SESD Resource Hub. 

Explore here