Problem Solving – Selecting a Strategy
This LifeKnowledge high school leadership lesson, “Selecting a Strategy” (Lesson HS.99), teaches students four group problem-solving methods—autocratic, democratic, consensual, and laissez faire. Through partner activities, problem-solving scenarios, and discussion, students explore the advantages and disadvantages of each method and learn to determine the best strategy for a given situation based on factors like time, cost, efficiency, and accuracy.
At a glance
- Learning objectives
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- Be able to explain four methods of problem-solving.
- Given a scenario, list the advantages and disadvantages of each of the four problem-solving methods.
- Given a scenario, determine the best problem-solving method.
- Time required
- Instruction time for this lesson: 50 minutes.
- Grade level
- High School
- Materials
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- HS.99.AS.A—one per student
- HS.99.AS.B—one per student
- HS.99.AS.C—one per student
- HS.99.Assess—one per student
- Public writing surface
- Several colored writing utensils
- Unit
- Stage 3 of Development—Do
- Problem Area
- How Does the Vision Get Accomplished?
- Precepts
- A2: Focus on results.
- Key Terms
- Autocratic, Democratic, Consensual, Laissez faire
- Resources
- Leadership Curriculum Guide, National Association of Secondary School Principals.
Downloads & Links
Aligned Standards
National Standards
- NL-ENG.K-12.7Evaluating Data — Students conduct research on issues and interests by generating ideas and questions, and by posing problems. They gather, evaluate, and synthesize data from a variety of sources to communicate their discoveries in ways that suit their purpose and audience.