Problem Solving Template

Problem Solving Template
Professor Henry Schissler


(1) Identify The Social Problem, Concern Or Issue.









Give Macro-Level Detail And Relevant History.











(2) What Are The Messages From the Societal Level?












(3) What Are The Ways That Individuals Are Impacted By Societal Messages?











(4) How Do Individuals Adapt:

Healthy Adaptations





Unhealthy Adaptations





Reactive/Defensive Adaptations





Neutral Adaptations






(5) Identify Solutions To The Problem On The Societal Level.







(6) Identify Solutions For Individuals On The Micro-Level.








(7) Who Are Positive Role Models Who Adapted In Healthy Ways?







Problem Solving Process

Study the problem to determine the “kind” of problem you are dealing with.

Figure out the information you need to solve the problem

Carefully analyze and interpret the information, drawing reasonable inferences

Break the problem down into resolvable chunks

Determine your options for action, both short term and long term

Evaluate your options, determining advantages and disadvantages

Adopt a strategy and monitor the implications of your actions

Be ready to revise your strategy if the situation requires it




A Critical Thinker...

Raises vital questions, formulating them clearly and precisely

Gathers and assesses relevant information, using abstract ideas to interpret it effectively

Comes to well-reasoned conclusions and solutions, testing them against relevant criteria and standards

Thinks open-mindedly within alternative systems of thought, recognizing and assessing, as need be, their assumptions, implications, and practical consequences

Communicates effectively with others in figuring out solutions to complex problems




Critical thinking is self-directed, self-disciplined, self-monitored, and self-corrective thinking. It entails effective communication and problem solving abilities and a commitment to overcoming our native egocentrism and sociocentrism.