Module 4: Problem ID Strategies Part I

Problem solving consists of two parts - solving (obviously) but also understanding the problem. This means understanding what’s causing the problem, the circumstances surrounding the problem, and the problem’s constraints. During the problem identification stage of problem-solving we’re looking for the ‘real’ problem. Often when you’re given a problem statement by a client or supervisor it doesn’t fully describe the problem, or maybe it describes a symptom of the problem that wouldn’t be very useful to solve. Students will learn strategies to uncover more about problems, and spot the ‘real’ problem within a problem’s causes. By the end of this module students will have strategies to support them through the entire problem solving process.