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What does the 6-step problem-solving process look like in Global Issues?

Future Problem Solving 6-step method

In our Global Issues program, students learn and apply the 6-step creative problem-solving process to real world issues, set 20-30 years from now.

First, students research and analyze one of our annual topics. Then, students get two hours to read and analyze a future scene and complete our 6-step problem-solving process during competition. Student action plans work to solve a big, important issue affecting the imagined future scenario.

Helpful Example: What do the 6-steps look like in use?
Martha Barlow, Wisconsin Future Problem Solving, created a simplified example by modifying a well-known spider nursery rhyme as the future scene. See how the thinking progresses with each step as the problem-solving process is applied to identify the top solution and develop an action plan to help the spider.

Successful problem solvers combine research, creativity, and futuristic thinking in their writing.

It is important for students to learn and understand the creative problem-solving process. Using both convergent and divergent thinking, students develop much needed 21st Century Skills.

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April Michele

April Michele Bio

Executive Director

A seasoned educator, April Michele has served as the Executive Director since 2018 and been with Future Problem Solving more than a decade. Her background in advanced curriculum strategies and highly engaging learning techniques translates well in the development of materials, publications, training, and marketing for the organization and its global network. April’s expertise includes pedagogy and strategies for critical and creative thinking and providing quality educational services for students and adults worldwide.

Prior to joining Future Problem Solving, April taught elementary and middle grades, spending most of her classroom career in Gifted Education. She earned the National Board Certification (NBPTS) as a Middle Childhood/Generalist and later served as a National Board Assessor for the certification of others. She was trained and applied the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP) in Humanities, which helped widen the educational scope and boundaries beyond the U.S. In addition, April facilitated the Theory and Development of Creativity course for state level certification of teachers. She has also collaborated on a variety of special projects through the Department of Education.

A graduate of the University of Central Florida with a bachelor’s in Elementary Education and the University of South Florida with a master’s in Gifted Education, April’s passion is providing a challenging curriculum for 21st century students so they are equipped with the problem solving and ethical leadership skills they need to thrive in the future. As a board member in her local Rotary Club, she facilitates problem solving in leadership at the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA). She is also a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) from the Project Management Institute and earned her certificate in Nonprofit Management from the Edyth Bush Institute at Rollins College.