Introduction
Problem solving is a process that people go through to determine, analyze and solve problems. Problem solving requires some creative, analytical, and mental skills in order to solve a problem. Logical or analytical thinking skills include, comparing, ordering, selecting and evaluating which provide an agenda for problem solving that helps to decide on the best alternative solution, identify the problem, gather formation, choose the cause and identify the best possible solutions for implementation and finally review.
Group Work
At the beginning of the new semester, the lecturer gave us a topic to discuss on drugs affecting the youth. The assignment was to be submitted by a certain deadline and the best one was to take a price. No student had an idea on how to go about it. I came up with an idea of forming a group to discuss the issue that is the problems that affect youth who are using drugs.
Each member in our group gave various ideas and solutions on the matter, what is more, each point was carefully written down. Some of the ideas such as punishing the victim involved in drugs or jailing them were not an appropriate solution for such victims. Some of the obstacles that hindered the ability of solving problems effectively were lack of relevant information, Ignorance and assumptions.
The students tried to come up with solutions that were all not applicable in this case. Therefore, I came up with an idea that every student should identify the problem, search for information about drug abuse, choose the cause, identify the possible and the best solution which can be applied.
On the next group discussion, every member had some points to support their facts, which we were discussing in detail and recording important points; the aspect that made this discussion enjoyable is that every member was able to contribute his or her thoughts that improved social interaction, sharing of values and culture from different members; self esteem was raised for the members who felt inferior and a lot of knowledge was exchanged.
In the group discussion, members were able to contribute their ideas with confidence because every member was free to give his or her own opinion. As I presented our work, it scored the high marks and was rated the best one.
Conclusion
The members were very happy with the approach I used to tackle the problem we were facing for finding solutions and they were thankful a lot. During the semester, we used the group work in our academics and other activities that improved our skills, social interactions, and grades making everyone happy about it.
This also helped me in my college entrance exam. The group work discussion method improved our social skills and I would recommend it for people who find it difficult to follow the process of problem solving and search for assistant from people who are experienced in this area.