COOPERATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING Age group: 14-18 Keywords: Cooperation, Situational Activity, Teamwork, Motivation. Time required: 50 minutes Number of people: Between 15 and 25 Equipment, materials, and space needed: Situation cards, colored chalks, white a4 paper. indoor activity. Activity explored and suggested by: Liceul Technologic Zeyc Domokos - Romania.
Aim of the method: To learn what cooperation means, to recognise the nature of the participants’ reactions (quickness, situational awareness, leadership style, compliance), to build on the participants’ psychological-motivational skills, and to find viable ways to solve a given problem. Preparation: Gathering the situation cards, paper, chalks, changing the tables and chairs, so that three people can sit together.
DESCRIPTION INTRO The facilitator asks the participants: “Do you consider yourself a problem solver? Do you take an active role in group tasks?”. These questions work as starting point for the activity and set the mood for it. EXPERIENCE The facilitator creates groups of 3 participants. In order to do so, the facilitator can assign a number to each participant so that the groups are created according to the numbers. Each group receives a (different) situation card with a problem to solve.
1. You are a waiter in a small restaurant. A client asks: “I would order a roast duck leg with stuffed ribs.” You are not sure if there is any duck in the kitchen. Please describe what are the best possible ways to solve this situation.
2. You are the only receptionist in a busy, but small hotel. A guest staying with you on the 1st floor for a few weeks already had a small, light package delivered to the hotel. She calls you and says “Please pick up my package and bring it to the elevator door of the 2nd floor!” Please describe what are the best possible ways to solve this situation.
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