Introduction

Teaching problem-solving skills to high school students is an essential part of their education. It empowers them to handle various situations independently and with confidence. This skill plays a vital role in social-emotional learning, as it helps students understand the difference between big and small problems, and to determine when they need help from others or can solve the issue themselves. In this article, we will discuss a no-prep activity, discussion questions, and related skills to help educators teach problem-solving effectively.

No-Prep Activity: Problem Scenarios

This activity requires no preparation or materials from the educator and encourages students to think critically about various situations. Begin by presenting a series of hypothetical scenarios to your students, either verbally or written on the board. These scenarios should range from small, easily solvable problems to larger, more complex issues. Examples include:

• Forgetting a book at home
• Having a disagreement with a friend
• Feeling overwhelmed with schoolwork
• Noticing a classmate being bullied

Ask your students to categorize each scenario as either a big or small problem and to come up with potential solutions. Encourage them to think about whether they can solve the problem independently, or if they need help from an adult or peer. Discuss the students’ answers as a group and emphasize the importance of knowing when to ask for help.

Discussion Questions

Use these discussion questions to stimulate further conversation about problem-solving skills:

1. Why is it important to differentiate between big and small problems?
2. How can you decide whether or not you need help solving a problem?
3. What are some strategies you can use to approach problem-solving in various situations?
4. How can effective problem-solving skills contribute to your overall well-being?
5. Can you share an example of a time when you successfully solved a problem on your own or with the help of others?

Related Skills

Teaching problem-solving skills is just one aspect of social-emotional learning. Here are some other relevant skills that can be beneficial for high school students:

• Conflict resolution: Learning to address disagreements and find solutions that satisfy all parties involved.
• Emotional regulation: Understanding and managing one’s own emotions in various situations.
• Active listening: Paying close attention to what others are saying and responding appropriately.
• Empathy: Putting oneself in another person’s shoes and understanding their feelings and perspectives.
• Decision-making: Weighing the pros and cons of different options and choosing the best course of action.

Next Steps

Now that you have a better understanding of how to teach problem-solving skills to high school students, we encourage you to explore more resources and activities to support your students’ social-emotional learning. Sign up for free sample materials at Everyday Speech, where you’ll find a wealth of content to help you teach these essential skills and more.