Problem Solving Ideas &

ApproachesTracey Williams, LPCDirector of Tutoring & Deaf Student Services

Tyler Junior College

Use of Problem Solving In Tutoring Session

• Problem solving techniques are important to both the tutor and the tutee

• As a tutor, you should be able to teach tutees to apply problem solving techniques in a variety of situations

Use of Problem Solving In Tutoring Session

• By using a problem solving process to determine how to help the tutee, you can model a valuable process at the same time

• Going through this process in your first session will be valuable

What’s the purpose?

• How will tutees apply the skill?

• What is the importance of knowing a sound problem solving technique?

The Applications

• Deciding which classes to take• Deciding on a major• Deciding on how many hours to take• Deciding whether to get tutoring• Deciding how to structure time• Deciding how to balance college with a

social life• Deciding whether a relationship is

healthy or not

The COPE Method

A problem solving strategy

COPE Method

• C - Challenge - Identify problem, causes, results.

• O - Opt - Select the best option from possi ble solu tions.

• P - Plan - Make a plan to act on your option.

• E - Evaluate - Check for progress; revise plan if needed.

C - Challenge

• Challenge yourself to clearly identify your problem, its causes, and the result you want or goal you hope to reach.

• This is the most important step. If you do not state your problem clearly, it will be difficult for you to determine how to solve it.

C - Challenge

WHICH STATEMENT IS BETTER?

• My problem is that even though I study a lot, I still make poor grades on tests.

• My problem is that even though I study a lot, I still make poor grades on tests because I get very nervous, my mind goes blank, and I can't seem to remember what I have studied until after the test is over. I want to overcome my ner vous ness so I can take tests calm ly and make better grades.

C - Challenge

What is my problem?

What causes my problem?

What result do I want?

O - Opt

• Choose the best option from the many possible solutions to your problem.

• Make a list of the possible solutions

O- Opt

• A sample problem:

A student, Joan, says she cannot study at home because it is too noisy. The telephone rings frequently; her husband turns up the TV too loud, and her young children make noise playing and fighting with each other.

O - Opt

After thinking about her problem and its causes, Joan comes up with the following list of options for its solution.

1. Talk to family members about my need for some quiet time for studying.

2. Study in the bedroom with the door shut.3. Find a study place away from home such as the library or an

empty classroom.4. Study during the day while my husband is at work and my

children are in school.

O - Opt

What can I do to eliminate a cause, or the causes, of my problem?

O - Opt

Internal Locus-Of-Control

VS.

External Locus-Of-Control

P - Plan

Make a plan to solve your problem, within a reasonable length of time, and follow it.

P - Plan

• Then decide how you will act on one of your options.

• Set a time limit by which you expect to see some progress toward your goal or the elimination of the problem.

P - Plan

Remember Joan?

What do you think she chose as a solution to her dilemma?

E - Evaluate

Evaluate your plan to see what progress you have made in solving your problem.

E - Evaluate

• To help evaluate your plan, ask yourself these questions:

• Is my plan working?• Have I given my plan sufficient

time to work?• Do I still have the problem?• Is the problem situation improving?• Should I make a new plan?

Using the COPE Method

• Until the COPE method becomes second nature for you, try writing out the steps.

• Writing slows down the thinking process so that you can analyze your problem more carefully.

Problem Solving Exercise

Here is a list of common problem situations for college students:

1. You have a roommate who distracts you from studying.

2. You need to lose 10 pounds.3. Your car was damaged in an accident and it will

cost more than the car is worth to fix it.4. You forgot that you have an important test

tomorrow and you made a date for tonight.5. A friend of yours wants to drop out of college.6. Your roommate owes you $20.7. You're taking a required course and you don't like the instructor.8. You are not sure whether you will have enough

money to pay your tuition next semester.