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PROBLEM
SOLVING
POWER
Finding solutions through persuasive presentation skills
A problem is a situation preventing something from being achieved.
The word comes from a Greek word meaning an "obstacle" (something that is in your way). Someone who has a problem must find a way of solving it.
The means of solving a problem is called a "solution".
PROBLEM SOLVING IN ICAN
At ICAN, whether our student can't find their essay homework or has forgotten their speech, good problem-solving skills are the key to helping them manage their life.
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A 2010 study published in Behaviour Research and Therapy found that kids who lack problem-solving skills may be at a higher risk of depression. Additionally, the researchers found that teaching a child problem-solving skills can improve mental health.
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ICAN begins teaching basic problem-solving skills during preschool and help our students sharpen their skills into high school and beyond.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
Students face a variety of problems every day, ranging from academic difficulties to problems on the sports field. Yet few of them have a formula for solving those problems.
Kids who lack problem-solving skills may avoid taking action when faced with a problem.
Rather than put their energy into solving the problem, they may invest their time in avoiding the issue. That's why many kids fall behind in school or struggle to maintain friendships.
Other kids who lack problem-solving skills spring into action without recognizing their choices. A child may hit a peer who cuts in front of them in line because they are not sure what else to do.

Or, they may walk out of class when they are being teased because they can't think of any other ways to make it stop. Those impulsive choices may create even bigger problems in the long run.
PERSUASIVE SKILLS
Learning to express ideas with clarity and to speak persuasively is a central goal in an ICAN classroom. So we top off each unit with a critical thinking and speaking activity that calls for students to draw on the knowledge they've acquired and to resolve an issue. More specifically, we have students imitate real-life venues for expression, such as talk shows and debates. We've also developed strategies for assessing their skills at persuasive presentation, and have discovered several useful resources for making these simulations even more lively.
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We combine the persuasive skills to help in solving problems!
Real-life Problems
ICAN Persuasive skills
Long term solutions
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These become long term solutions by learning from others through documentation through video recording and archiving.
Because we usually record our students' TED speeches and debates, we can use them as in-class video portfolios. Throughout the year we use the videos to monitor progress in the art of expression and persuasion. Kids can watch the videos on Youtube to share with their family and friends. We also add a comment section in each video so parents can respond.
THE 6 ICAN STEPS OF PROBLEM SOLVING
Students who feel overwhelmed or hopeless often won't attempt to address a problem. But when you give them a clear formula for solving problems, they'll feel more confident in their ability to try. Here are the steps to problem-solving:
1
Identify the problem
Just stating the problem out loud can make a big difference for kids who are feeling stuck. Help your student state the problem, such as, "You don't have anyone to play with at recess," or "You aren't sure if you should take the advanced math class."
ICAN CORE
AR Test - Good reading ability trains students to identify issues easily
Visualizing Tech - the mind that can visualize ideas efficiently can help in this step
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2
Develop at least five possible solutions
Brainstorm possible ways to solve the problem. Emphasize that all the solutions don't necessarily need to be good ideas (at least not at this point). Help your child develop solutions if they are struggling to come up with ideas. Even a silly answer or far-fetched idea is a possible solution. The key is to help them see that with a little creativity, they can find many different potential solutions.
ICAN CORE
Creative Sparks - being able to create amazing things can help in developing solutions
Mind mapping - creating mind maps and brainstorming contribute in discovering all possible solutions
Memory Palace tech - Good memorization skills are crucial in formulating solutions. A trained mind can remember experiences and lessons learned
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3
Identify the pros and cons of each solution
Help your child identify potential positive and negative consequences for each potential solution they identified.
ICAN CORE
Picture Describing Tech - it allows the student to visualize the solutions and do pros and cons
Mind mapping - venn diagrams
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4
Pick a solution
Once your child has evaluated the possible positive and negative outcomes, encourage them to pick a solution.
ICAN CORE
Analyzing Skills - a student who can assess decisions based on carefully arranged ideas can pick the best solutions
5
Test it out
Tell them to try a solution and see what happens. If it doesn't work out, they can always try another solution from the list that they developed in step two.
ICAN CORE
All ICAN Broadcast cores - students test out solutions in front of the camera to allow information to be shared and evaluated.
6
Persuade others to listen
The solution must be shared to your peers or group to encourage people to be able to solve problems on their own.
ICAN CORE
All ICAN Persuade skills - Narrative, argumentative, expository, descriptive and persuasive are skills that will empower encouragement.
PRACTICE SOLVING PROBLEMS
When problems arise, don’t rush to solve your student's problems for them. Instead, teachers will help them walk through the problem-solving steps.
They will offer guidance when they need assistance, but encourage them to solve problems on their own. If they are unable to come up with a solution, teachers will step in and help them think of some. But don't automatically tell them what to do.
ICAN uses a problem-solving approach to help the student become more independent.
Students often develop creative solutions. So they might say, "I'll write a note and stick it on my door so I'll remember to do something before I leave," or "I'll pack my bag the night before and I'll keep a checklist to remind me what needs to go in my bag."
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At its most basic level, persuasion is about communication. But the art of persuasion is about using a sophisticated mix of communication skills and leadership abilities to bring others around to your ideas, recommendations or proposals after—and only after—you’ve successfully convinced them that it’s in their best interest to apply them.
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The ability to persuade others has always been a top leadership and communication skill—especially for transformational leaders.
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Persuasion, while about selling or presenting your ideas, is more about appreciating how to best reach and engage your audience for change. To increase the likelihood of your ideas, recommendations and proposals being adopted—and acted upon—you should be acutely aware of the kinds of questions that start rolling around in people’s heads the moment you start talking to them.
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1. Give people a reason to listen to your solutions
2. Show people that you genuinely care about them and their needs.
3. Give people a reason to trust you.
4. Present your ideas in terms of pros and cons that will connect with your audience.
5. Define the action steps and clarify the process.
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This five-step needs’ assessment and persuasion model works for everyone who seeks to affect change and convince others to take action.