Discussion

Small Group Communication (COMM 2060) Group Slide Show Planning Worksheet

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Group’s Selected Problem: “What should be done about ___________________________________________________

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Remember, this is not a research project, rather a problem/solution project in which your group selects a specific problem and then proposes 4-5 possible solutions.

Key Research Ideas:

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Possible Solutions:

Solution A:

Solution B:

Solution C:

Solution D:

Solution E:

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Criteria for selecting the best solution (this is the “yardstick” your group will use to evaluate each possible solution. What key elements are needed in order to truly solve this problem? Examples of criteria may include; financially reasonable? Can this solution be implemented?

Criteria for Evaluating Each Solution:

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2.

3.

4.

5.COMM 2060) Communication Group Slide Show Planning Worksheet

Small Group Communication (COMM 2060) Group Slide Show Reflective Thinking Process

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REFLECTIVE THINKING SEQUENCE

The reflective thinking process is a pattern for group problem-solving and stems from the writings of American philosopher John Dewey in 1910. It emphasizes the left-brain functions and offers a step-by-step process for discussion in problem-solving groups. Source: file:///C:/Users/Staff/Downloads/deweyreflectivethinkingsequence.htm

I. Define the Problem

A. Identification of problem area, including such questions as:

1. What is the situation in which the problem is occurring?

2. What, in general, is the difficulty?

3. How did this difficulty arise?

4. What is the importance of the difficulty?

5. What limitations, if any, are there on the area of our concern?

6. What is the meaning of any term that needs clarifying?

II. Analyze the Causes of the problem and its Limits

A. Analysis of the difficulty

1. What, specifically, are the facts of the situation?

2. What, specifically, are the difficulties?

B. Analysis of causes

1. What is causing the difficulties?

2. What is causing the causes?

III. Identify Criteria for an acceptable Solution

A. What are the principal requirements of the solution?

B. What limitations must be placed on the solution?

C. What is the relative importance of the criteria?

IV. Generate potential Solutions

A. What are the possible solutions?

1. What is the exact nature of each solution?

2. How would it remedy the difficulty? By eliminating the cause? By offsetting the effect?

By a combination of both?

B. How good is each solution?

1. How well would it remedy the difficulty?

2. How well would it satisfy the criteria? Are there any that it would not satisfy?

3. Would there by any unfavorable consequences? Any extra benefits?

V. Select the Best Solution

A. How would you rank the solution(s)?

B. Would some combination of solutions be best?

VI. Implement Solution

A. What steps would need to be taken to put the solution into effect?

B. What steps would be the most difficult? Least difficult? How would you overcome these?