Introduction

Future Problem Solving is a strategy for helping students develop skills for analysing a problem. Working through a six step process can help them decide - from a futures perspective - what should be done about a problem. The six steps are:

	identifying possible causes and effects of a problem;
	identifying the underlying problem;
	brainstorming potential solutions;
	developing criteria for evaluating solutions;
	evaluating all solutions to determine the best one; and
	developing an action plan.

As well as developing problem solving skills, this teaching strategy also helps students to develop an interest in the future and improve their research, group work and communication skills.

The problem chosen to illustrate the Future Problem Solving strategy in this module is waste management, a problem that is becoming increasingly serious because the amount of waste is growing all around the world. Solutions to the problems of both solid and chemical waste are considered in this module.

Objectives

	To appreciate the importance of integrating a futures perspective;
	To develop expertise in using Future Problem Solving as a teaching strategy; and
	To plan ways of using the Future Problem Solving strategy when teaching other topics.

Activities

References

Credits

This module was written for UNESCO by Bernard Cox, Margaret Calder, John Fien and Clayton White from materials and activities by Tony Hepworth in Teaching for a Sustainable World (UNESCO - UNEP International Environmental Education Programme).