Solving Personal Problems: Applying the Five-Step Model

Identify a past personal example to work through the 5-Step Problem Solving Model

Select a personal problem from the list below:

• Finances
• Health
• Employment
• Education
• or any reasonable problem where there was more than one alternative

Use the following steps to fill in the table provided in the worksheet:

• Identify the problem (choose a fairly simple example)
• Identify 2 or 3 alternative solutions
• Note the advantages and disadvantages of each alternative
• Choose one and explain why you chose it
• Explain how well is the solution working

Use the Problem Solving Worksheet that is provided

Write a 150 to 200- word reflection about this process, including:

• How did this process help you devise a solution?
• How can you use this process with future problems?
• Will this work for all problems you face (why or why not)?