PSLAE CURRICULUM

OUR PROBLEM-SOLVING CURRICULUM

Our curriculum features hands on modules that focus on building the relevant skills and knowledge for effective problem solving. We cover a wide variety of areas including problem identification, assumption reduction, and solution development.

Problem Solving 101

Introduction to strategic problem solving. Introduce problem solving heuristic. Students will learn effective communication & conflict resolution.

Module 1

Problem ID Strategies Part II

Reframing problems to see them in a new light using the Statement-Restatement technique and Duncker Diagrams .

Module 5

Troubleshooting Strategies

Troubleshooting process and heuristics using KT Analysis, hypothesis testing, and the 5 Whys.

Module 2

Assumption Reduction

Determining all the assumptions both within the problem and within the solution. Performing assumption reduction.

Module 6

Solution Development

Convergent-Divergent thinking, vertical and lateral thinking, and cross fertilization.

Module 3

Unintended Consequences

Evaluating solutions in the intended operating environment and systems thinking strategies.

Module 7

Problem ID Strategies Part I

What's the best problem to solve? Exploring problems using The 5 Whys, Why Else, and Fishbone Diagram. A solution to the wrong problem is no good.

Module 4

Risk and Ethics

General guides for evaluating solutions. Learn to perform ethical evaluations (four virtues, ethics checklist, five P's).

Module 8