Problem Solving Teams: A 30 Minute Peer-Helping Model

A problem solving team is anchored on the premise that non-experts can, through an incremental, kindred spirited strategy, help one another help students.
Teachers Helping Teachers, 1994

7 Steps in 30 Minutes

Briefly introduce the problem and provide an overview of the process (facilitator) Statement of the problem (referring teacher) Discussion concerning the details of the problem (clarification from the referring teacher) Brainstorming on potential solutions to the problem (brief description of solutions, recorded on flip chart)

Teacher selection of the most workable strategies for the present time (1- try now, 2 try later, 3 already tried) Development of an action plan ( who will be responsible for each selected solution) Closing the meeting (wrap up and set a follow-up date)

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Who is involved

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The referring teacher

Someone to whom referring teachers can go with their difficulties (R&M Teacher, Guidance, Administrator, teacher) The problem-solving team (flexible, 5-7 persons, create comfort, classroom teacher, parent, teacher assistant, school intervention worker) The team facilitator (a people person with the ability to maintain focus, move the discussion forward, ensure understanding of roles and the plan, ability to wrap up meetings in 30 minutes) The recorder (accurately summarizes the key ideas good listener and skilled in the art of summarizing.

Stage 1 Introducing the problem & the process (2-3 minutes)

The Facilitator: Summarizes the problem Clarifies the process Requests concise explanation of the problem from the referring teacher, specification of what they want to happen and identify what assistance they want from the group Explains any useful background information Appoints a recorder

Stage 2 - Statement from the referring teacher (2-3 minutes)

The facilitator invites the referring teacher to explain in more detail the particulars of the difficult situation. The recorder captures, in point form, the essential details and prints them on a flip chart.

Stage 3 Group discussion (3-5 minutes)

The referring teacher is thanked Each team member is given the opportunity to present a question that may clear up any uncertainties Focus on clarifying details

Stage 4 Brainstorming (up to 10 minutes)

The facilitator Requests brief and practical suggestions from team members (referring teacher is a silent observer) Suggestions are given around the table several times (with focus on accentuating the positive and hold promise for immediately helping) Team members pass when a suggestion is not readily available The recorder captures the ideas in point form on the flip chart

Stage 5 Selecting strategies (up to 5 minutes)

The referring teacher: Ranks each of the suggestions put forth 1. Try now 2. Try later 3. Already tried

Stage 6 Establishing an Action Plan (2 minutes)

The facilitator summarizes the general aim of the meeting and the particular objectives the referring teacher wants to achieve summarizes the key suggestions that the teacher has agreed to try Ensures that team member responsibilities regarding the plan are clear Set follow-up meeting date(s) with the referring teacher

Stage 7 Closing the meeting

The facilitator: Wraps up by pointing to what has been achieved Thanks team members

Why Problem Solving?

Immediacy it offers something right away Ownership control stays with the teacher Relevance strategies are selected by

those involved based on expressed need

Empowering it gets people moving Success uses strengths as a base for

change

Collaborative one idea stimulates another

people piggy back

 Success

is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.

Robert Collier