The next time you are teaching a lesson, count how many questions students are asked.

If the answer is too many, you are not alone. I often hear teachers complaining of the lack of initiative in their classes, having to explain simple common sense things, like where to write answers, should we start now, should we answer all of the questions, what do we do next? etc. etc. etc. I believe that such lack of initiative is indeed a modern phenomenon, a disease cultivated early in a world of standardized curricula and testing.

In today’s rapidly evolving world, it is essential to equip students with problem-solving skills to navigate complex and uncertain situations. Students who can solve problems are better prepared for the challenges of the future and are more likely to succeed in their academic and professional careers.

Here are some ways to create students who solve problems:

1. Encourage critical thinking: Encourage students to think critically and challenge assumptions. This can be done by asking open-ended questions, providing real-world scenarios, and encouraging students to think creatively.
2. Foster creativity: Encourage creativity and innovation by providing opportunities for students to brainstorm, experiment, and explore new ideas.
3. Develop analytical skills: Develop students’ analytical skills by providing them with tools to analyze data, evaluate evidence, and draw conclusions.
4. Emphasize collaboration: Encourage collaboration and teamwork by assigning group projects and promoting peer-to-peer learning. This will help students learn from each other and develop interpersonal skills.
5. Provide real-world challenges: Provide students with real-world challenges to solve, such as community problems, business challenges, or social issues. This will help them develop problem-solving skills that are relevant and applicable to the world around them.

In conclusion, creating students who solve problems is essential for their success in the future. By encouraging critical thinking, fostering creativity, developing analytical skills, emphasizing collaboration, and providing real-world challenges, educators can help students develop the problem-solving skills they need to thrive in the 21st century.