Problem-Solving Scenario Cards

Use these cards in small groups. Read your scenario, discuss the prompts, and identify which employability skills apply. Be ready to share your solution and the skills you used.

Card 1: 3D Printer Jam

Scenario: You’re printing a critical component for a robotics project when the 3D printer head suddenly jams. The print is ruined, and you’re behind schedule.


Discussion Prompts:

• What are three possible causes of the jam?
  
  
• Outline the step-by-step process you’d follow to fix the jam and restart the print.
  
  
• Who (team members or supervisor) should you notify, and how will you communicate the delay?

Card 2: CNC Machine Tolerance Issue

Scenario: After milling a metal part, you measure it and find it’s out of tolerance by 0.05 mm—enough to fail quality checks.


Discussion Prompts:

• How would you investigate the root cause (machine calibration, tooling wear, or program error)?
  
  
• Propose at least two corrective actions to prevent this error from recurring.
  
  
• Which documentation or logs will you review or update, and why?

Card 3: Network Outage During Software Update

Scenario: Your team is rolling out a firmware update to embedded devices across the lab, but the network goes down mid-update, risking corrupted installations.


Discussion Prompts:

• What immediate steps will you take to protect devices from corruption?
  
  
• How will you coordinate with IT and your teammates to restore the network and safely resume updates?
  
  
• What communication channels and messages will keep everyone informed?

Card 4: Parts Shortage in Assembly Line

Scenario: You discover that a critical electrical connector is backordered for two weeks, halting production of your team’s prototype.


Discussion Prompts:

• Brainstorm at least two alternative solutions (e.g., substitute parts, redesign, supplier escalation).
  
  
• How will you present these options to your supervisor, including risks and benefits?
  
  
• Which teamwork skills will help you collaborate across departments to solve the shortage?

Card 5: Safety Procedure Non-Compliance

Scenario: During a lab check, you notice a colleague is bypassing lockout/tagout procedures on a power tool to save time.


Discussion Prompts:

• What immediate action should you take to address the safety risk?
  
  
• How will you communicate the importance of following procedures without creating conflict?
  
  
• Which aspects of professionalism and communication are most critical here?

Remember to identify the key employability skills—communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and professionalism—you’re using in your solution.

Teamwork Role-Play Instructions

In this activity, each group will act out a workplace scenario focused on collaboration and professionalism. Observers will evaluate the team’s performance using the Professionalism Self-Assessment Worksheet.

Setup (2 minutes)

1. Form groups of 3–4 students.
2. Assign roles in each group:
   • Team Member(s): Actively participate in the scenario.
   • Observer(s): Use the Professionalism Self-Assessment Worksheet to note strengths and areas for improvement.
3. Choose one scenario from the list below.

Scenarios (5 minutes to plan, 5 minutes to role-play)

1. Unequal Task Contribution
   A critical assembly task is behind schedule because one member isn’t completing their portion. Team members must decide how to redistribute work and encourage accountability.
2. Divergent Ideas
   Your group must propose a design modification for a failing prototype. Two teammates have conflicting ideas. Collaborate to reach a consensus and present the final proposal.
3. Tight Deadline Coordination
   A customer needs an urgent firmware update on embedded devices by end of day. Plan roles, set milestones, and communicate progress to avoid last-minute errors.
4. Onboarding a New Member
   A new team member joins mid-project and needs to catch up quickly. Demonstrate how you’ll share key information, provide support, and integrate them into the workflow.
5. Cross-Department Collaboration
   Your team must work with procurement to resolve a parts shortage. Role-play coordinating meetings, sharing data, and negotiating timelines.

Instructions for Team Members

• Read your chosen scenario and clarify objectives.
• Assign specific tasks and timelines within your team.
• Demonstrate key teamwork skills:
  • Active listening and respectful feedback
  • Clear role assignments and accountability
  • Joint decision-making and conflict resolution
• Keep communication professional and solution-focused.

Instructions for Observers

• Use the Professionalism Self-Assessment Worksheet to rate:
  • Clarity and respect in communication
  • Demonstrated responsibility and integrity
  • Support and encouragement of teammates
• Jot down one “Strength” and one “Growth Area” for the team.

Debrief (5 minutes)

1. Observers share their feedback with the team.
2. Teams discuss:
   • What teamwork strategies worked well?
   • Which communication techniques could improve?
   • How did professionalism influence your collaboration?
3. Each group names one actionable goal to strengthen a teamwork skill.
   
   
   

Professionalism Self-Assessment Worksheet

Reflection & Action Poster

Added a quick icebreaker and updated your lesson plan to boost engagement!

1. Warm-Up Material
Employability Speed Chat – a 5-minute, rotating-pair discussion on each key skill.

2. Lesson-Plan Update
• Materials now begin with the warm-up link.
• A new 5-minute first step kicks off with the speed chat.

Let me know if you’d like to tweak timings or prompts!

Skill Charades

In this fast-paced icebreaker, students will act out one of the four employability skills—Communication, Teamwork, Problem-Solving, or Professionalism—using only gestures and body language. No words allowed!

Setup (1 min):

• Arrange students in a circle.
• Write each skill on a slip of paper and place in a bowl.

How to Play (2 min):

1. A volunteer draws a slip and silently acts out the skill for 30 seconds.
2. Classmates call out guesses; the first correct guesser draws the next slip.
3. Continue until each skill has been acted out or time is up.

Debrief (1 min):

• Which gestures most clearly conveyed each skill?
• How might you use that skill in a real technical workplace?

Ready, set… act!

Professionalism Reflection Exercise

Instructions: Reflect on your professional behaviors, assess your strengths and growth areas, and create an action plan to strengthen your professionalism in technical settings.

1. Defining Professionalism

In your own words, what does “professionalism” mean in a technical workplace? Provide two real-world examples of professional behaviors you’ve observed or practiced.

2. Self-Assessment of Key Professional Attributes

Rate yourself on each attribute below (1 = needs improvement, 5 = excellent). Circle your rating and explain one reason for your score.

1. Punctuality (arriving on time, meeting deadlines): 1–2–3–4–5
   Comments:

1. Communication Etiquette (clarity, tone, listening): 1–2–3–4–5
   Comments:

1. Accountability (owning mistakes, following through): 1–2–3–4–5
   Comments:

1. Appearance and Preparedness (attire, materials ready): 1–2–3–4–5
   Comments:

1. Conflict Resolution and Respect (handling disagreements professionally): 1–2–3–4–5
   Comments:

3. Professional Challenge Reflection

Describe a situation when your professionalism was tested (e.g., tight deadline, equipment failure, team conflict). Address these prompts:

• What happened?
• How did you respond?
• What was the outcome?
• What did you learn about your professional strengths and gaps?

4. SMART Improvement Goal

Choose one attribute from Section 2 you’d like to improve. Write a SMART goal to strengthen it.

Specific: ________________________________

Measurable: ________________________________

Achievable: ________________________________

Relevant: ________________________________

Time-bound: ________________________________

5. Action Plan & Resources

List at least three concrete steps you will take to reach your SMART goal. Also, note any resources or support (people, tools, trainings) you will use.

2. ________________________________________________________________

3. ________________________________________________________________

Resources/Support: __________________________________________________

Keep this worksheet and review your progress after two weeks. Celebrate improvements and adjust your plan as needed to maintain a professional edge in every technical task.

Professionalism Self-Assessment Exercise

Precision Drawing Challenge

Put your communication and listening skills to the test in this fast-paced relay!

Objective: Practice giving clear, concise instructions and active listening under time pressure.

Materials Needed:

• Simple shape templates (geometric designs, simple technical sketches)
• Blank paper and pencils for each student
• Timer or stopwatch

Setup (3 minutes)

1. Divide students into pairs.
2. Give each “Describer” a unique shape template (kept face-down until their turn).
3. Each “Drawer” gets a blank sheet and pencil.
4. Decide which partner will start as Describer.

How to Play (12 minutes total)

Each round is 2 minutes:

1. The Describer studies their shape for 30 seconds (no talking allowed).
2. On “Go,” the Describer gives verbal instructions only (no gestures) to help the Drawer recreate the shape.
3. After 90 seconds, stop and compare drawing to the template.
4. Swap roles and repeat with a new template.
5. Play three rounds per pair (six drawings total).

Scoring & Debrief (5 minutes)

• Pairs award themselves 1 point for each drawing within 80% accuracy (shape, proportions, relative positions).
• Tally scores across teams to find the top communicators.

Discussion Questions:

• What instruction techniques helped you draw most accurately?
• Which listening strategies kept you from making errors?
• How can you apply these skills in lab instructions, team meetings, or technical reports?

Ready, steady, communicate!