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Problem Solving with Executive Skills

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Jenny Kaplan

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Problem Solving with Executive Skills

Evaluate solutions using executive skills

This lesson focuses on enhancing students' executive functioning skills by engaging them in problem-solving activities. Students will watch a video, participate in a discussion, and complete a worksheet to evaluate different solutions to a given problem. Additionally, students will work on a mini-project to apply these skills to a real-world problem. This lesson is important as it helps students develop critical thinking and decision-making skills, which are essential for academic success and everyday life.

Audience

8th Grade

Time

45 minutes

Approach

Experiential Learning, Game-Based Learning, Project-Based Learning, Blended Learning, Inquiry-Based Learning, Active Learning, Collaborative Learning

Materials

Video: 5 Tips to Improve Your Critical Thinking, Discussion Questions, Problem-Solving Worksheet, Mini-Project Guidelines, and Pens and Paper

Step 1

Introduction

5 mins

  • Begin with a brief introduction to executive functioning skills and their importance in problem-solving.
  • Explain the objective of the lesson: to evaluate solutions using these skills.

Step 2

Video Viewing

5 mins

  • Show the video 5 Tips to Improve Your Critical Thinking.
  • Ask students to note down key points related to problem-solving and decision-making.

Step 3

Discussion

5 mins

  • Facilitate a discussion using the provided questions.
  • Encourage students to share their thoughts on how the video relates to real-life problem-solving.

Step 4

Activity

10 mins

  • Distribute the Problem-Solving Worksheet.
  • In pairs, students will choose a problem and brainstorm possible solutions.
  • They will use executive functioning skills to evaluate the pros and cons of each solution.

Step 5

Mini-Project

15 mins

  • Introduce the mini-project: students will work in small groups to identify a real-world problem and develop a comprehensive solution.
  • Provide guidelines for the project, including steps for research, brainstorming, and presentation.
  • Allow students time to begin their project, encouraging them to apply the skills discussed in the lesson.

Step 6

Closure

5 mins

  • Ask groups to share their project ideas and initial solutions with the class.
  • Summarize the key takeaways from the lesson and emphasize the importance of using executive skills in everyday decision-making.
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Discussion

Discussion Questions

A set of questions to guide a discussion on the video and its application to problem-solving.

What are some key points from the video that relate to problem-solving?

Encourage students to mention specific strategies or tips from the video.







How can these strategies be applied to real-life situations?

Guide students to think about everyday decisions and challenges they face.







Why is it important to evaluate different solutions before making a decision?

Discuss the benefits of considering multiple perspectives and potential outcomes.







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Worksheet

Problem-Solving Worksheet

A worksheet to help students apply executive functioning skills to evaluate solutions to a problem.

Identify a problem you face in your daily life.








List at least three possible solutions to this problem.








Evaluate the pros and cons of each solution.

Consider factors like feasibility, time, resources, and potential outcomes.







Choose the best solution and explain why it is the most effective.

Use your evaluation to support your choice.







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Reading

Mini-Project Guidelines

Guidelines for students to follow while working on their mini-project, including steps for research, brainstorming, and presentation.

Mini-Project Guidelines

  1. Identify a Real-World Problem:

    • Choose a problem that affects your community or school.
    • Discuss why this problem is important to address.

  2. Research:

    • Gather information about the problem.
    • Identify any existing solutions and their effectiveness.

  3. Brainstorm Solutions:

    • Work as a group to come up with creative solutions.
    • Consider the pros and cons of each solution.

  4. Develop a Plan:

    • Choose the best solution and outline a plan to implement it.
    • Consider resources, time, and potential challenges.

  5. Presentation:

    • Prepare a short presentation to share your solution with the class.
    • Highlight the key points and benefits of your solution.
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