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Why is problem solving important?
Future Problem Solving teaches students HOW to think, not WHAT to think, using a problem solving process. Just why is problem solving important? We answer that question.
Retired affiliate directors Brenda Darnell (Kentucky) and Cyd Rogers (Texas) collaborated together to share some tips on the important role parents play in their Future Problem Solving students’ experience.
Students increase their understanding about a topic or situation
In Global Issues, students analyze and work through important futuristic topics. In Community Projects, students gain understanding about a community issue they identify, then implement real solutions as a result of that understanding. Although Creative Writing and Storytelling produce a creative and imaginative product, they begin by developing a basis of information about the topic their stories are based on.
Problem solving promotes critical and creative thinking
The process students use in Future Problem Solving alternates between creative/divergent thinking to generate ideas and critical/convergent thinking to focus and analyze those ideas and to make decisions about them. Creative thinking is important because it broadens our perspective by pushing us out of a linear way of thinking. It instills curiosity and encourages questions, opening us up to the concept of many new ideas. It allows us to think without judgment, showing us that there are many perspectives to any issue, and many innovative solutions to any problem.
Critical thinking helps us think clearly and systematically, teaching us how to break down information and improve our ability to comprehend. It helps identify bias and promote open-mindedness. Knowing how to sort through all the “extra noise” helps us reflect, develop, and justify our decisions. Critical thinking promotes the development of many crucial life and career skills, such as logical thinking, decision-making, and open-mindedness.
Problem solving is empowering
Continually learning and expanding one’s knowledge helps students tackle personal challenges in their lives. Futuristic topics allow students to address world problems that will exist in the future. Self-confidence is boosted as students learn that they can make a difference. Problem solving in our program helps students develop persistence, embrace change, and overcome obstacles – all of which are empowering life skills.
Problem solving is a collaborative approach
Working cooperatively with others helps students realize that a variety of knowledge, perspectives, and experiences can enhance the outcome. Empathy is developed, and relationships are strengthened as students learn to respect other perspectives, opinions and differences. Problem solving improves decision-making, teaches compromise, and reduces conflict as students work together rather than against each other. Students learn to share ideas appropriately and with respect. They become more invested in finding a solution, which can encourage them to take ownership of the problem and follow through on any actions needed to implement the solution.
Problem solving is an essential skill for the workplace
Future Problem Solving addresses the top skills desired in the workplace identified by the World Economic Forum. FPS alumni tell us time and time again that their participation has helped them in their careers.
- During my entire K-12 tenure, no other experience was more influential or beneficial to my ability to think broadly and creatively than FPS. – Evan, Restoration Biologist
- In FPS I learned to see undesirable and/or unforeseen circumstances as solvable challenges rather than insurmountable problems. – Danielle, Master Social Worker
- I learned about conflict and compromise and negotiating the dynamics of a group of very strong-willed, often stubborn teammates under intense pressure – skills I’ve drawn on in my life ever since. – Reuben, History/Social Science Content Support Lead, MA Dept. of Elementary & Secondary Education
- FPS taught me a problem solving process that I still use today. Whether the problem is change or distrust in an election, the steps to address it are largely the same. – David, Attorney, Wisconsin Ethics Commission
A specific model
A specific model provides a foundation for effective problem solving, as it helps one strategize, prioritize, and make decisions. Future Problem Solving uses the Creative Problem Process (CPS) created by Alex Osborne in the 1940s. He and his colleague, Sidney Parnes, worked to further develop the process in the 50s and 60s. CPS is the basis for many creative problem solving methods used in the business world today.
Terminology in the many problem solving models that exist may vary, but the process and thinking skills are the same. All models incorporate three basic elements: (1) understanding the challenge/ issue/ situation; (2) generating ideas; and (3) preparing for action.
In summary, perhaps Bill Gates in The Road Ahead, says it best: “More than ever, an education that emphasizes general problem-solving skills will be important. In a changing world, education is the best preparation for being able to adapt.”
Additional resources
- What Is Creative Thinking and Why Is It Important? (LifeHack)
- Why is Creativity Important and What Does it Contribute? (National Youth Council of Ireland)
- Why Is Critical Thinking Important? A Survival Guide (University of the People)
- What Are Critical Thinking Skills and Why Are They Important? (Coursera)
- 10 Ways Collaboration Can Benefit Problem Solving (Medium)
Related Articles
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- The Way We Go – Korean FPS
- 10 strategies for coping with perfectionism
- How do the UN SDGs for Quality Education and Future Problem Solving align?
- How do NYLC Service-Learning Standards and Future Problem Solving align?
- How do STEM and Future Problem Solving align?
April Michele
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