High school students encounter challenges every day—balancing academics, managing friendships, dealing with frustration, and making tough decisions about the future. Without effective problem-solving skills, they may feel stuck, react impulsively, or struggle to find productive solutions.

That’s why teaching students how to analyze problems and generate multiple solutions is an essential skill. Problem-solving isn’t just about finding a quick fix—it’s about thinking critically, considering different perspectives, and making informed choices.

This article will cover:

• What problem-solving is and why it matters for high schoolers
• How brainstorming multiple solutions helps students handle challenges
• A free downloadable problem-solving worksheet and lesson plan to reinforce these skills in the classroom

By the end, you’ll have practical tools and strategies to help students develop confidence and independence in their decision-making.

Download the Problem-Solving Worksheet

What Is Problem-Solving?

Problem-solving is the ability to identify a challenge, explore possible solutions, and take action to resolve it. While some problems have a clear, straightforward answer, others require critical thinking, creativity, and flexibility.

To help students approach challenges in a structured way, educators can introduce the five-step problem-solving process:

1. Identify the problem – What is happening, and why is it an issue?
2. Consider if help is needed – Can this be solved independently, or does it require support?
3. Brainstorm multiple solutions – Explore different ways to address the problem rather than defaulting to the first idea.
4. Choose the best solution – Weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.
5. Reflect on the outcome – Did the solution work? If not, what adjustments can be made?

One of the most important steps in this process is generating multiple solutions. Too often, students jump to the first option that comes to mind instead of thinking critically about alternative approaches. By learning to brainstorm and evaluate multiple possibilities, they build the ability to adapt, make informed decisions, and develop resilience when facing challenges.

Why Brainstorming Multiple Solutions Matters

When students face a problem, their first instinct might not always be the most effective solution. Teaching them to pause and consider different approaches helps them:

• Develop flexible thinking – Seeing challenges from different angles allows students to avoid rigid or one-track thinking.
• Avoid impulsive decisions – Instead of acting on their first reaction, they can assess different options.
• Strengthen problem-solving independence – The more students practice generating solutions, the more confident they become in handling challenges on their own.
• Prepare for real-world decision-making – Life rarely offers one perfect solution—learning to weigh different choices is an essential skill for adulthood.

For example, if a student forgets their homework, their first reaction might be to panic or come up with an excuse. But by brainstorming multiple solutions, they might realize they have several options:

• Ask the teacher if they can turn it in later
• Quickly rewrite key points from memory before class
• Accept a late penalty but make a plan to stay organized moving forward

By practicing flexibility in problem-solving, students develop the ability to stay calm, analyze situations, and make thoughtful choices rather than reacting emotionally.

Problem-Solving Lesson Plan & Worksheet: Brainstorming Solutions

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

• Understand the importance of brainstorming multiple solutions
• Apply creative and critical thinking to problem-solving scenarios
• Work collaboratively to evaluate different approaches to problem-solving

Materials

• Problem-Solving Worksheet
• Whiteboard or chart paper for brainstorming
• Discussion prompts

Download the Problem-Solving Worksheet

Step 1: Identifying Social Problems (10-15 minutes)

Start with a class discussion about common social problems high school students encounter. Ask:

• What challenges do students face at school, at home, or with friends?
• How do people typically react when faced with a problem?
• Do most people think through multiple solutions or react immediately?

Encourage students to share real-world examples of problems they’ve faced. Write down a few common scenarios on the board.

Step 2: Understanding Different Perspectives (10-15 minutes)

Choose a few scenarios from the class discussion and ask students to consider different perspectives involved in the problem.

• How would a teacher, friend, or parent view this problem?
• Would their solution be different? Why?

This step promotes empathy and critical thinking, encouraging students to think beyond their own experiences when problem-solving.

Step 3: Generating Multiple Solutions (10-15 minutes)

Distribute the Problem-Solving Worksheet, which includes real-world problem scenarios and space for brainstorming multiple solutions.

Example problems from the worksheet:

• You want to go out with friends, but you don’t have any money.
• The person sitting next to you in class is tapping their pencil loudly while you try to work.
• Your brother is using your iPad without permission, and you’re getting really frustrated.

Ask students to write at least three possible solutions for each problem. Encourage creative thinking—no solution is “wrong” at this stage.

Step 4: Evaluating Solutions and Decision-Making (10-15 minutes)

Have students share their solutions with a partner or small group. As a class, discuss:

• Which solutions seem the most effective?
• What are the pros and cons of each option?
• Would some solutions be better in certain situations?

Help students understand that problem-solving isn’t about finding the one “perfect” answer—it’s about considering options and making informed choices.

Step 5: Reflection and Takeaways (5 minutes)

Wrap up the lesson with a class discussion:

• How did brainstorming multiple solutions help?
• Did you think of any ideas you wouldn’t have considered before?
• How can you use this skill in daily life?

Encourage students to apply this strategy whenever they face challenges, whether academic, social, or personal.

Download the Problem-Solving Worksheet

Want More? Access Additional Free Resources!

Everyday Speech is a no-prep digital curriculum that combines evidence-based video modeling, interactive web games, and digital and printable worksheets to make teaching social skills easy.

We offer a free 30-day trial where you can use our thousands of video lessons, worksheets, and games to teach social skills like problem-solving. 

Here’s an example video modeling lesson for teaching problem-solving from our curriculum: