Teaching Problem Solving

Problem solving and thinking skills can be taught.  It is important that students be given direct instruction on the use of problem solving skills within their curriculum.

Given the secondary disabilities caused by some disorders, children will benefit from explicit instruction that includes:

• how to select the appropriate problem solving skill,
• how to gather the necessary information,
• how to apply the skill to solve a problem,
• how to shift problem-solving strategies when the original strategy is ineffective, and
• how to use the skills across academic domains and life situations. 

Specific problem solving approaches depend on the task the child has to solve.  However, there are general thinking strategies to help students learn efficiently in the classroom.

Teaching Problem Solving