Solving a Problem

Good Afternoon,

Thank you for visiting my site. In the time of the coronavirus, we have many problems to solve. Some like to solve problems with debates. I prefer to use the reflective-thinking process. The reflective-thinking process is gleaned from the writings of educational theorist and philosopher, John Dewey. Like me, Dewey loved the concept of democracy. 

I believe in the First Amendment and in our need to solve problems through lawful discussions. When I taught Communication 101 at the State University of New York at Plattsburgh, I assigned a problem-solving group discussion, rather than a debate. I suggest it’s time for our lawmakers to try this method of solving problems. Enough of the deadlock in Washington, DC. 

The beauty of the reflective-thinking method is it requires a consensus, a group decision that is acceptable to all members of the group. There are no winners and losers. Instead, everyone wins. 

There are five steps to the reflective-thinking process: defining the problem, analyzing the problem, establishing criteria for solving the problem, generating solutions for the problem, and selecting the best solution or combination of solutions for the problem. 

Over the next few blogs, I shall demonstrate how to successfully use this technique to solve problems. Hopefully, you will find it to be a very helpful tool for those of you making decisions in virtual meetings.

Thank you for visiting my blog. Stay safe.