EdTech, Skills & The Future of Work Series: Complex Problem-Solving
Modern classrooms are evolving and kids are becoming sharper day by day. This is why it is imperative that we create a symphony between the traditional teaching methods and modern techniques which are dipped in technology. Considering how fast the world around us is changing and how easy it is for Gen Z to adapt to these digital advancements, the World Economic Forum has listed out skills that are prerequisites for people to ace if they need good jobs by 2025. One such skill is Complex Problem Solving.
Complex Problem-Solving skills is an umbrella term for application-based learning. It is a skill where students are encouraged to use logic, reasoning, and imagination to come up with intelligent and innovative solutions.
In the real world, students come face to face with issues that can’t be solved with rote learning techniques.
They need a clear and definite way of facing these complex problems and need strong decision-making capabilities which is one of the biggest standpoints of adapting complex problem solving as a part of a regular curriculum.
Let’s dig in deeper to unravel how you can facilitate the skill in regular learning. Shall we?
Clearly define the objectives:
Never give them ambiguous instructions and clarify the exact nature of the problem. This is where technology comes into the picture. There are a number of platforms you can use to craft interactive presentations that explain the problem in a clear, concise, and engaging way, like Google Slides and Canva where you can develop interesting presentations and graphic designs. You can choose from multiple templates and each slide can have a different problem. Zoho comes with really innovative and collaborative presentation templates that are extremely easy to understand and work on.
Aid their imagination:
When it comes to solutions, there is no ‘one thing solves all’ approach. One problem can have multiple solutions. The idea is to let their imagination fly and to encourage them to come up with their own solution using logic and reasoning. This will help the students in attacking the problem from not one, but various angles. They can also share their solutions with their peers over virtual meetings using Google Meets or Zoom.
Brainstorming sessions:
Once you pose a problem, invite your students for collaborative sessions where everyone can brainstorm together and come up with the best workable solution. YouTube is flooded with videos that aid in critical thinking. Use Microsoft teams for this particular approach. Create different channels for different problems, share the links, and ask the students to punch in their ideas in the chat section. The platform can easily integrate with Zoom and Google Meets, so you can moderate video brainstorming sessions as well. Use the mind map feature in Miro and let your students connect the dots all by themselves. Collaborate and moderate, but never intervene.
Treat the problem as an opportunity to learn:
Consider each problem as an opportunity to make your students more level-headed and flexible. Embrace the possibilities of mistakes and practice thorough patience with the students. Break down information into simpler and direct ways so the students are well aware of the exact problem and help them through the solutions. For instance, you could use Education World to create your very own scavenger hunt. Divide the class into smaller sections and let them compete with each other to boost healthy competition. Give them hints that require some amount of thinking from their end and let them find their way.
Complex Problem-Solving skills initiate critical and lateral thinking which is a necessary skill to have. The future holds multiple possibilities and challenges and the more we prepare our kids today, the better equipped they will be to handle these challenges successfully tomorrow.