Problem-Solving Meetings for Covid-19

Now is a good time to use PATHS® Problem-Solving Meetings! These can be done in person if your schools are still open, online if you have access to class meetings, or through worksheets that students can fill out individually (use the problem solving sheet provided in the curriculum). If you have already introduced and practiced these meetings, they will provide a familiar structure to help your students process the huge changes that are currently underway.

Use the 11 Problem-Solving Steps:

  1.   STOP and think.
  2.   Identify the PROBLEM.  (collect lots of information)
  3.   Identify the FEELINGS.  (your own and other peoples’)
  4.   Decide on a GOAL.
  5.   Think of lots of SOLUTIONS.
  6.   Think about what MIGHT happen next.
  7.   Choose the BEST solution. (evaluate all the alternatives)
  8.   Make a PLAN.  (think about possible obstacles)
  9.   TRY your plan.
  10.   SEE what happens.  (evaluate the outcome)
  11.   TRY another plan or solution if your first one doesn’t work.


Problem-Solving

  1. Stop and think: Remind your students how important it is to take some deep breaths to calm down, especially when things feel scary. Don’t panic. Think!
  2. Identify the problem: These can be framed in different ways. For example, “There is currently a pandemic, which means the spread of a new contagious disease on a worldwide basis, called Covid-19 or Coronavirus. This disease can make some people, especially people over 60, very ill.” Other problems could be, “Due to the potential spread of this virus, schools are being closed.” or “Due to the virus, people are beginning to panic.” You might want to have a series of problem-solving meetings.
  3. Identify the feelings: This is a good opportunity for students to share how they are feeling. Students should also think about and discuss the feelings of others (e.g., How do their parents feel? Siblings? Grandparents?). Be sure to share your own feelings.
  4. Decide on a goal: The goal will depend on the problem that’s been defined. For example, “To promote health instead of illness”; “to slow down the spread of the virus”’; “To make the transition from school to home schooling as smooth as possible”; “to help this situation feel less frightening and anxiety-provoking.”
  5. Think of lots of solutions: This will depend on the goal. Encourage creative thinking.
  6. Think about what might happen next: Evaluate the potential consequences of each of the solutions.
  7. Choose the best solution: Evaluate all of the alternatives. Remind students that different ideas can be combined into the final solution.
  8. Make a plan:  Students should fill in the details of the solution to make a comprehensive plan that addresses possible obstacles. This can be especially useful when making the transition to home schooling.
  9. Try your plan: Encourage students to follow through with the plan, especially if school will be closing.
  10. See what happens: Evaluate the outcomes. Be sure to follow up with this! Students should share their individual outcomes as well as government-related outcomes, depending on the original defined problem. If students are doing this individually, be sure to give feedback to each student.
  11. Try another plan or solution if your first one doesn’t work: Be sure to follow up with additional problem-solving meetings as needed.

We wish you all the best in dealing with these difficult problems and changes! Stay well!

 

 

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