Problematic+Situation


 * Summary**

A //Problematic Situation// (Lenski et al., 2011: 19-20) is a literacy strategy that designed to make new content relevant to students. By creating a //Problematic Situation,// students are challenged to think critically about a topic or area of study. This strategy facilitates dynamic classroom discussion and allows students to share their background knowledge and experiences with the whole class. //Problematic Situations// can be created to fit any unit of study are an extremely effective tool for social studies teachers, where many topics are interrelated and connected to contemporary problem that students may be experiencing first hand. //Problematic Situations// provide a compelling introduction into a new topic and challenges students to place themselves into the context of the situation created. This strategy is excellent for a history course, but is perfectly appropriate for any discipline where sparking student imagination is a compelling agent for learning.


 * Directions**


 * 1) **Identify** a topic from your upcoming unit from which you can develop a //Problematic Situation//. Then write a prompt. Your prompt will serve as the //Problematic Situation// that students will respond to.
 * 2) **Organize** students into mixed ability groups and present them with the //Problematic Situation.//
 * 3) **Instruct** students to discuss possible solutions to the //Problematic Situation.//
 * 4) Have groups, or individual students record possible solutions to the prompt and discuss the Pros and Cons of each possible solution.
 * 5) After groups have had the opportunity to explore the problem, encourage a whole class conversation based on the possible solutions. To get the ball rolling, the teacher may offer up a solution of their own.
 * 6) As students **Read** the text have them revisit their lists and make additions based on newly available evidence and support.
 * 7) After students have had the opportunity to **Revise** their solution lists, encourage a class discussion that considers the strengths and weaknesses of proposed solutions.


 * Example**

For an example of what a //Problematic Situation// might look at in a unit based on WWII, click on the file here: