Problem Solving with Adult Learners
I have mixed emotions about problem solving with my students.
Because I am younger than many of my students sometimes I feel unsure about problem solving with them. I wonder if they will accept my point of view since they have much more life experience that I do.
Then I think about the kinds of life experiences each of us has. I have quite a bit of experience working with the structures/expectations of the educational spheres while many of them have more expertise in other spheres of the world.
I have recently started not just acknowledging their struggles, but talking with them about how to problem solve. Sometimes I feel awkward about this, but they have been receptive to these conversations. The need for acknowledging the issue and listening, then problem solving makes perfect sense.
Does anyone have some good strategies for problem solving with a student or students?
When teaching adults I try to apply real life examples to relate to the theory.
I would think that your acknowledgement of the situation and student variety assists you greatly - gets you off on the right foot so to speak. As for problem solving with students, I have two different approaches. One, we pull from there memory a problem or situation that they may have or have not solved. If it was solved, I encourage them to take note of anything specific the performed which could be applied elsewhere. If it was a difficult problem and possibly not "solved" then we review to see what could have been done and if the student is willing, we get information from the group in a supportive environment. Another option is the using of repeatedly asking "Why" and drilling down to the root of the problem. Student or otherwise, this can be quite effective and we often realize that the actual problem is one we didn't think of. As for the age thing, I find myself about in the middle (age range) with my students. I think I am lucky in working with this range because I have my own 17 year old and 65+ parents. Also, there are courses and/or learning materials relative to the work/learning ethics of the various generations.
Hi Gary,
I really like that idea. It's a fun way to problem solve without making an awkward situation.
Thanks! Liz
Hi Elizabeth,
We use case studies as ways to develop the problem solving skills of students. As a way of problem solving I also have students write down a problem that they want to discuss. They then take the crumpled up ball of paper and throw it across the room. Soon there are balls of paper every where. Then I have the students each pick up a ball of paper and read the problem that is written on it. Can be simple such as parking at the school, child care issues, or school related, doesn't matter. I then put the students into groups of 2-3 and have them consider the problems they have before them. They select one and work on a solution. I give them 10 minutes and then each group reports on their solution to the problem they selected. It is amazing how quickly they get into the problem and possible solutions. Then I ramp up the problems in relation to the course and we build on there abilities to analyze and then solve problems.
Gary
