The step 6 action plan is based on the top solution, as determined by student work in step 5. Choosing the best solution for the action plan is an important part of the problem-solving process. These tips can help your team prepare for success on the evaluation matrix.
#1 Talk about it
The discussion your team has while determining how each solution ranks according to your chosen criteria will help build the reasoning you need for your action plan. Consider having one team member jot down notes while you discuss.
#2 Choose your best and worst
If you are struggling to rank your solutions, start first by identifying the solutions that rank 1 or 2 for each criterion. Then, find the solutions that rank as a 7 or 8 (or 5 for individuals). This can help you frame the rest of your discussion and get your team moving forward.
#3 Be realistic
When comparing ideas, consider how your solutions would really work as you rank them. It can be hard to recognize an idea is not as strong as you thought. No solution is perfect. Talking about the strengths and weaknesses of your top solution will help you develop a strong action plan. Remember, you chose 5 important criteria, and you should use them accurately when judging your ideas.
#4 Be honest with the process
Sometimes, teams think that one solution is best and attempt to manipulate step 5 so that their solution “wins”. This backfires! The process is structured with a purpose, and well-written criteria will lead you to the best solution. Manipulating the numbers in the grid will not help a team write the best action plan. It can also mean a team earns a low score on step 5.
#5 Check your math
Students are allowed a simple calculator during competition. Even though the math seems easy, be sure to double check! You do not want to lose points for a small addition error. One way to do a very quick check is to add your totals column; teams should have an overall total of 180 points and individuals should have an overall total of 75.
#6 Be flexible
If you finish your step 5 evaluation matrix and you feel like your team truly has not determined the best solution, take a moment to reflect. Do you need to adjust a criterion? Are you hoping for a favorite idea to win, even if it is not as effective? Did your team discuss the rankings enough? If you need to make changes, pause and make them now. Be sure to double-check your math and rankings if you make changes.
#7 Break ties
If you find that you have two solutions tied with the highest points, you need to break the tie. There are many methods for doing this. One way to break a tie is to determine which criterion is most important to success. Then, double-weight each point for that column by multiplying each number by 2. Your new numbers for that column would be 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16. Now you will have a top solution! Be sure to share in your step 6 action plan why you chose to double-weight that criterion. The total of the grid will change: 216 points for teams and 90 for individual writers.
