PROBLEM
IDENTIFICATION
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As educators, we understand that we must clearly
identify a problem in order to solve it. And we
also need to pass this skill along to our students
as well.
Problem identification is part of the scientific method, as it serves as the first step in a
systematic process to identify and evaluate a problem and then explore potential solutions.
“If I were given one hour to save the
planet, I would spend 59 minutes
defining the problem and one minute
resolving it,” Albert Einstein.
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Problem identification initiates
an investigation of a possible
concern.
If you don’t identify problems the
right way, your other problem-
solving steps probably aren’t
going to fall into place
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Effective problem identification is clear, objective, and
specific
• Howell, Hosp, & Kurns (2008) outline a test to determine when a
problem identification statement is effective. It’s called “the
stranger test.”
• According to the stranger test, problem identification statements
need to be:
[Link] (i.e., unambiguous).
[Link] (i.e., leaving no room or limited room for inferences).
[Link] enough for a stranger (i.e., an individual who is only
provided with the problem identification statement) to be able to
observe the student of interest and identify when the problem is
present or absent.
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Problem identification involves
four steps
1Identify the problem
2 Form a hypothesis
3 Develop an assessment tool
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Identification is timely
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1. IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM
STATE YOUR PROBLEM AS CLEARLY AS
POSSIBLE, AND BE SPECIFIC ABOUT THE
SITUATION. INCLUDE BACKGROUND,
CONTEXT, AND SYMPTOMS OF THE ISSUE
WHEN IDENTIFYING THE PROBLEM
2. Form a hypothesis
Hypothesize what is causing or maintaining the
conditions around the problem. Try to really get to
the root cause.
Effective problem identification is well-informed
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3. Effective problem identification uses an
appropriate assessment tool
Problem identification requires the use of an
appropriate measure or assessment tool to determine
whether a problem (i.e., discrepancy) exists.
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4. Effective problem identification is
timely
When problems are identified early, there is more
time to address and remediate the problem with
well-chosen interventions. Is this the problem?
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SUMMARY
Problem identification
[Link] (i.e., unambiguous).
[Link] (i.e., leaving no room or limited
room for inferences).
[Link] enough for a stranger (i.e., an
individual who is only provided with the
problem identification statement) to be able
to observe the student of interest and
identify when the problem is present or
absent.
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ON TARGET
1. Traffic congestion has been increasing in
much of Trinidad and Tobago
2. What causes traffic congestion
3. What is the root cause of the problem? Is this
the actual problem?
4. Re-define the problem statement
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