Description
PSY110: Psychology Of Learning
PSY110-Wk 4 Summative Assessment: Problem-Solving Worksheet
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Assignment
Let’s face it: We all encounter problems, whether at work or school. Some challenges are small, like deciding what to wear to work. Other challenges are more substantial, like deciding whether to find a new job. Regardless of the situation, you need to be able to solve problems. This week, you learned about a 4-step process that you can use to overcome challenges and solve problems. This process involves identifying the problem, investigating possible solutions, implementing a solution, and evaluating the effectiveness of the solution. For this assessment, you will respond to questions in which you apply problem-solving strategies.
Preparation
You might find it helpful to review your Week 2 assignment and faculty feedback before completing this assessment.
Assessment Deliverable
Download and complete the Problem-Solving Worksheet. In this worksheet, you will select a problem or challenge you are facing at work or school. Then, you will apply problem-solving strategies to explore ways to address the challenge you identified.
Problem-Solving Worksheet
For this worksheet, you will complete four steps to apply problem-solving strategies that help you address a problem you are facing at work or school. The steps are as follows:
- Take some time to identify a specific work- or academic-related problem in your life. Be mindful that identifying the actual problem can take some self-reflection. Be sure to identify the core of the problem as opposed to only the symptoms of the problem. This can sometimes be a bit challenging.
- After you identify the problem, investigate the possible solutions. Provide three unique solutions for your problem and provide 2 advantages and 2 disadvantages related to each solution you shared.
- After considering the advantages and disadvantages of each solution, pick the solution you feel is best to address your problem, explain the reasons for your selection, and share how you plan to implement your solution.
- Finally, describe when and how you can evaluate if the selected solution was an effective way to address your problem.
Before you begin, review the sample responses below.
Sample Responses
Step 1: Identify: Determine what problem or challenge you are trying to solve.
In Column 1, identify the work- or school-related problem or challenge you would like to solve.
In Column 2, describe the effects this problem has on your life (i.e., the symptoms of the problem).
In Column 3, explain the challenges or barriers you face that contribute to this problem.
| Specific Problem | Effects (Symptoms) of This Problem on Your Life | Challenges or Barriers That Contribute to This Problem |
| I keep procrastinating on my weekly discussion posts. | As a student, full-time mom, and full-time employee, I find many challenges in submitting my discussion posts on time. This has caused me to lose points, lowering my overall grade. I am also anxious and losing sleep over this. There have been some small family conflicts because I feel irritable from this as well. | I have three young children at home and I work full-time in retail with unpredictable hours. After my kids get home from school, they need homework help and want all my attention. Also, discussions are worth fewer overall points than some of the other assignments, so they usually end up getting done last (or not at all). |
Step 2: Investigate: Consider three possible solutions and their value (advantages and disadvantages).
Identify three possible solutions for your problem.
In Column 1 of each table, list at least two advantages of the solution.
In Column 2 of each table, list at least two disadvantages of the solution.
Solution 1
Enter solution 1 here: I can start working on my assignments earlier in the week.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| I have a better chance of not being late. | My work schedule may not allow for early submission. |
| I will have more time for other activities later in the week. | My kids’ school and soccer schedules may keep me from focusing on my assignments early in the week. |
| I will feel less stress when assignments are due. | I might be too tired from working late. |
Solution 2
Enter solution 2 here: I can create and use a time management chart/calendar on my phone.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| I have my phone on me all the time and this will allow me to stay on track by using the reminders on my phone. | My schedule on the calendar might change. |
| Using my phone calendar will help me create better time management habits. | My phone might lose battery, get broken, or encounter internet challenges. |
| The phone calendar allows me to see what my day looks like, and this will help not only with school, but with work and family. | I might add too many things on my calendar and start to lose track. |
Solution 3
Enter solution 3 here: I can stop overextending myself.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| This will allow me to make sure my priorities are balanced. | Work is so busy that I might not be able to take anything off my plate. |
| It will free up enough time to schedule in schoolwork. | I will feel guilty saying “no.” |
| It will allow for flexibility if something comes up. | What if I get fired for delegating some of my work to others? |
Step 3: Implement: Select a solution to apply to the problem.
In Column 1, select one solution based on the possible solutions you identified above and explain the reasons for your selection. (Keep in mind that sometimes the best approach is a combination of possible solutions.)
In Column 2, describe the actions you can take to put this solution to work.
| Solution and Rationale | Actions You Can Take |
| For my busy schedule, starting my assignments earlier in the week and using a calendar will help. I think finding time at the beginning of the week to focus on school will ensure that my assignments are not submitted late. Also, if I have questions or technical difficulties, I will be able to reach out and resolve them with plenty of time. Using a calendar on my phone and at home will help keep all my activities organized, and I can now visually see when things are due. | I will start by using my calendar to place each homework activity starting on Tuesday night. I will make sure to include at least 1 hour a night to read over material and choose Friday to complete my assignment. Lastly, I will choose 2 days (Tuesday and Thursday) to complete my discussion responses. |
Step 4: Evaluate: Review how well the solution addressed the problem and determine next steps.
In Column 1, identify when and how you will evaluate the effectiveness of your solution. Consider how much time you will need to properly evaluate the success of your approach, as well as what you will be looking for to know if the solution is working.
In Column 2, explain what you will do if you determine the solution is not working.
| Evaluation of Solution (When and How) | Next Steps if Solution Isn’t Working |
| After each week I can evaluate if I was successful getting all three discussion posts done by Monday at the end of the online week. After three weeks, I will see if I have lost any discussion points. | If my solutions are not working after a few weeks of evaluation, I will go back to Step 2 to look through other solution options and maybe brainstorm some more options to analyze. After doing so, I will modify my calendar by changing a few activities around. Additionally, I will continue to monitor this change to determine how effectively it is working. |
Your Responses
Now it’s your turn.
Complete Steps 1–4 below to identify and investigate a work- or academic-related problem in your own life, and then implement and evaluate a possible solution.
Step 1: Identify: Determine what problem or challenge you are trying to solve.
In Column 1, identify the work- or school-related problem or challenge you would like to solve.
In Column 2, describe the effects this problem has on your life (i.e., the symptoms of the problem).
In Column 3, explain the challenges or barriers you face that contribute to this problem.
| Specific Problem | Effects (Symptoms) of This Problem on Your Life | Challenges or Barriers That Contribute to This Problem |
Step 2: Investigate: Consider 3 possible solutions and their value (advantages and disadvantages).
Identify three possible solutions for your problem.
In Column 1 of each table, list at least two advantages of the solution.
In Column 2 of each table, list at least two disadvantages of the solution.
Solution 1
Enter solution 1 here:
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
Solution 2
Enter solution 2 here:
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
Solution 3
Enter solution 3 here:
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
Step 3: Implement: Select a solution to apply to the problem.
In Column 1, select one solution based on the possible solutions you identified in Step 2 and explain the reasons for your selection. (Keep in mind that sometimes the best approach is a combination of possible solutions.)
In Column 2, describe the actions you can take to put this solution to work.
| Solution and Rationale | Actions You Can Take |
Step 4: Evaluate: Review how well the solution addressed the problem and determine next steps.
In Column 1, identify when and how you will evaluate the effectiveness of your solution. Consider how much time you will need to properly evaluate the success of your approach, as well as what you will be looking for to know if the solution is working.
In Column 2, explain what you will do if you determine the solution is not working.
| Evaluation of Solution (When and How) | Next Steps if Solution Isn’t Working |