Think about some of the problems or challenges you face in your academic and professional life and how you go about solving these problems. Read the overview and complete all parts of this worksheet.

Overview

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:

1. Take some time toidentify 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.
2. 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.
3. 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 toimplementyour solution.
4. Finally, describe when and how you canevaluate if the selected solution was an effective way to address your problem.

Before you begin,review the sample responses below.

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