Group problem-solving

Instructions

How this activity supports learning

Activities which promote high learner agency tend to be open-ended, inviting a
range of approaches and possible answers. For example, students might consider
a problem from different perspectives and suggest multiple solutions. Open-ended
problem-solving activities provide opportunities for meaningful communication and
Our experts
LEARNER AGENCY
can be an effective way to develop global skills such as creativity, critical thinking, advise on

MAXIMIZING
LEARNER POTENTIAL
empathy, and collaboration.
For more on open-ended
This worksheet is designed to be used in group speaking tasks. It supports students activities, see page 9 of
in discussing a problem from different angles, considering several solutions, and Learner Agency: Maximizing
Learner Potential:
evaluating them systematically. It can be adapted for students of different ages www.oup.com/elt/expert
from intermediate level.

Classroom instructions
Before the lesson
Prepare the worksheet by completing the ‘Problem’ box
with the problem that you would like students to discuss.
Then share the worksheet electronically, print copies, or
display it on screen for them to copy.
During the lesson
● Present the problem you want students to discuss
and give them some time to consider their immediate
reaction and perhaps share their ideas with a partner.
● Ask each group to summarize their ideas for the rest
of the class, saying whether or not they reached a
consensus on the best solution. This could lead into a
whole-class discussion of the possible solution(s).
After the lesson
Students’ ideas could be used in a range of follow-up
writing or speaking tasks. For instance, they could write
a blog post or opinion essay about the issue they have
discussed. They could also video themselves delivering a
short monologue or conducting a role-play/interview on
the topic.

● Explain that the aim of the activity is to explore several

possible solutions. Elicit one possible solution as
an example and take students through the steps of
considering its pros and cons. You could also pre-teach
some useful vocabulary and functional language.
● Students work in groups to discuss the problem and
complete the graphic organizer on the worksheet.
To encourage active participation, you could assign
roles to group members – for example, chairing the
discussion, checking group members are participating
equally, and completing the graphic organizer.
● Monitor students while they are speaking. Answer any
questions and listen for student language that you
might want to correct, upgrade, or highlight as being
effective at the end of the activity.
● Once most groups have come up with and evaluated
several solutions, ask them to discuss which solution
they think is the best and why. Explain that they may
not necessarily agree with each other.
Variations
In online teaching settings, you could ask students to
create their own graphic organizers to demonstrate their
group’s thinking process. There are a variety of ways to do
this digitally, using widely available mind mapping tools
and apps. Alternatively, students could draw and scan or
photograph their work.
Depending on your learning objectives, you can set
different kinds of open-ended problems for students to
discuss. For example, they could relate to:
● social and interpersonal issues
● emotional self-regulation and wellbeing
● work or study
● global challenges (for example, linked to the United
Nations Sustainable Development Goals)
● cross-curricular topics, such as STEM
● real or hypothetical problems suggested by the
students themselves.

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 Group problem-solving
Example

Problem
In many parts of the world, a lack of affordable housing is making
it difficult for young people to move to big cities to find work.
What are some possible solutions to this problem?

Possible solutions

Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 Option 4

Co-living spaces (buildings Younger people live with older Build new blocks of very small Companies allow employees to
with shared facilities similar to people. studio apartments. work remotely so that they can
student residences). live in cheaper places.

Pros Pros Pros Pros

- You belong to a community. - Solution to loneliness? -C an be environmentally - Live where you want.
- Use of shared facilities (gyms, - They can teach each other useful sustainable. - Flexible – easier to change jobs /
cinemas, etc.) skills. - You have your own space. work for more than 1 employer.

Cons Cons Cons Cons

- Lack of privacy / personal space. - You might need to look after the - Very small – uncomfortable? - Harder to learn work-related
older person. - Not suitable for families. skills / interact with colleagues.
- Generation gap – problems?

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Group problem-solving
1
Problem

Possible solutions

Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 Option 4

Pros Pros Pros Pros

Cons Cons Cons Cons

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