Personhood Curriculum
7th Grade
 
Problem Solving
Lesson Plan
aphg7-11
Teaching Goals

This lesson deals with problem solving, and with interpersonal relations during problem solving.

  1. How to problem-solve.
  2. Importance of defining a problem clearly, accurately, and consistently in everyone's mind.
  3. Hidden agendas are a major problem with egocentric persons.
  4. Brainstorming.
  5. Step-by-step problem solving method.
Special Comments to Teachers

Look around your classroom, your school, and your community to identify "problems." These could be physical things that are broken. They could be processes that could be improved, such as making lunch time routine work better or smoother. They could be discipline problems. Maybe "Car Line" could be improved.

After collecting a few ideas pick one or more that are fairly simple, and within the range of maturity of your student(s).

Write this problem up to present to the students. Be careful to not answer any of the questions posed by the essay, below. Keep it very general, such as...

"I know students have complained the cafeteria line is too slow. We are going to see if we can find a way to fix this problem."

Then work up your own answers to the questions in the "steps."

SPECIAL NOTE

If you are having difficulty working up this lesson, don't be discouraged! There are lots and lots of adults for whom this process would seem strange and unfamiliar! It is not the usual way people think. And that, at least in part, is the reason for this lesson! We as teachers strongly desire that our students become the BEST they can be! If you are having difficulty, it indicates this is an area where you can improve. We ALL have such areas!

You can say to your students something to the effect that this was new to you when you first saw it, and that many adults don't know this. "When you learn this, and it is easy, then you will know something very powerful that most adults don't know!" You have grabbed them by their egos!

Teacher Prep

Print out "Thoughts About Problem Solving " - - - solve.rtf

Print out "Brainstorming Rules" - - - b-rules.rtf
You may need this to use as a projection transparency.
Class Time

Introduction

We are going to learn about problem solving today. When you learn this you will know something very powerful that most adults don't know!" And, it is easy!

Relevancy

You will benefit from this over your ENTIRE life!

Presentation

Hand out copies of the essay, "Thoughts About Problem Solving "

As this is read, jot down or mark anything you might have questions about.

Have students read the essay to themselves, have class members read parts out loud, or read it to them.

After reading, open floor for questions.

Student Work

Display the problem statement you created that the class will work on now.
Display the list of problem solving steps.
Lead a class discussion, "step-by-step." Use Brain storming! 
Periodically
Teacher Follow-up

Do you see a problem here? What is it? (Have child go through the problem solving steps.)

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Advanced Personhood Sequence. Links to grade 7 Lesson Plans.
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As of: 2 Aug '03