‘Problem-solving’ is used in 5 frameworks

Problem Solving includes a range of discrete skills related to how individuals solve social problems. For full description please see Developing Social-Emotional Skills for the Labor Market: The PRACTICE Model.

Ability to think through steps that lead from a given situation to a desired goal. Includes problem identification, understanding, identification of solutions

A problem-solver has the ability to “think through steps that lead from a given state of affairs to a desired goal” (Barbey and Baralou, 2009). Another essential aspect of purposeful thinking, problem-solving is a high-order thinking process inter-related with other important life skills, such as critical thinking, analytical thinking, decision-making and creativity. More specifically, being able to solve problems implies a process of planning, i.e., the formulation of a method to attain the desired goal. Problem-solving begins with recognizing that a problematic situation exists and establishing an understanding of the nature of the situation. It requires the solver to identify the specific problem(s) to be solved, plan and carry out a solution, and monitor and evaluate progress throughout the activity (OECD, 2015).

• Creative thinking
• Logical thinking
• Critical thinking
• Decision Making
• Decision making under challenging situations

Problem Solving is the ability to seek, identify and define the problem, generate alternatives or potential solutions, evaluate and choose between these and act on the chosen solution to reach a goal. It includes the process of using reasoning and analysis to look beyond the surface of a problem and understand the underlying causes to come to conclusions. It is also the process by which we identify or discover effective, adaptive or creative ways of handling problematic situations encountered in everyday living.

Problem Solving increases our involvement in the learning process. This creates opportunities for higher order thinking which increases our adaptability to our environment and helps us navigate through future trends and uncertainty.

Problem Solving in Action The person will be able to:

• Recognise a problem situation.
• Identify the root cause in a problem situation or a conflict.
• Identify and sift out information relevant for a problem.
• Pay attention to relevant cues.
• Make interpretations based on patterns that emerge.
• Set goals and a plan of action.
• Evaluate progress towards an identified goal.
• Suggest various options to resolve an issue.
• Consider different sides to a problem, both the pros and cons.