Plan B

Nothing is as dangerous as an idea when it's the only one you have.
- Emile Chartier

The first area of study that we tackle in Mr. Firchau's 5th grade class is problem solving. We use it as the basis for much of what we explore throughout the year. I challenge my students nearly everyday to move outside their mind's sense of "normal" in order to innovate, analyze ... and expect more of themselves. It is my belief that this is what will not only inspire them to lead an enriched life of inquiry but also give them skills that sustain them in the good ol' "real" world.

This is another way to prove to the kids that, "If you think you can't ... your right."

We rely on the problem solving process while brainstorming in writing class, coming up with an hypothesis for the science fair, finding the solution to an economics project, ... even finding new friends (to which one student said, "If you don't, you should!").


Our classes problem solving process
1. Identify the problem ... literally ask, "What happened?" Be a detective.
2. Understand the problem ... teach yourself. Be an explorer.
3. Brainstorm solutions ... don't solve; ideate. Be an artist.
4. Analyze possibilities ... weigh the pluses and minuses. Be a scientist.
5. Implement the solution ... choose and do. Be a carpenter.
6. Determine the result's effectiveness ... critique. Be a judge.

We add a seventh step ...

7. Reflect ... what can be learned? Be a student.

As a teacher I started creating more meaningful lessons after I noticed how closely aligned the process of solving problems is with Bloom's Taxonomy. We began following the steps toward critical thinking to ask more of ourselves. I began to ask better questions, the root of learning, and expecting answers with "more meat on the bones," as we say.


Dr. Akpan used to remind me in his thick West African accent, "Mister Rob, teaching is preparation, preparation, preparation."

Yes, it is. "People don't plan to fail, ... ." The idea is to not get caught short. Ask not only, "What if it doesn't work?," but, "What if it does?" Be prepared for the next step ... the next opportunity.

Cultural Offering provides further inspiration here.