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Free Tool: Writing the Underlying Problem

6-Step Problem Solving Process Step 2

Be sure to use the correct format:

Since many of the effective neurotechnologies are invasive and have caused various physical, psychological, security, and ethical issues, how might we increase the effectiveness of non-invasive neurotechnology, so that patients at the Cascadia Institute for Nanotechnology can safely use neurotechnology treatments in 2045 and beyond?

Condition Phrase

The condition phrase should be a connecting fact from the future scene or research. The condition phrase is the reason you selected the focus of your underlying problem and should connect clearly with the future scene. Many writers start with “since” or “because“.

Stem and Key Verb Phrase

  • Use the stem “how might we” or “in what ways might we“. Then write the key verb phrase.
  • Use one active verb to establish the goal you will address in your solutions. Together, the stem and the key verb phrase indicate the primary action goal, which addresses an issue from the future scene.
  • Avoid absolute verbs like eliminate, stop, or prevent. These are difficult to solve. Instead use words like reduce, increase, promote, enhance.

Purpose

Begin with “so that” or “in order to“. Then provide a single reason for why you are pursuing the action goal from the key verb phrase. Your purpose is the desired outcome that should result from accomplishing the action goal in your key verb phrase

Future Scene Parameters

As you write your underlying problem, include the parameters of time, place, and topic. Parameters support your thinking as you identify an issue that is within the future scene and will impact the future scene when accomplished. These can be worked in wherever they fit best.

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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.