Problem Solving Workplace

Title: Problem Solving Workplace
Current Content:

Grade Levels

9-10 (High School Special Education)

Duration

60 minutes

Class Size

10 students

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Lesson Goals

Students will practice identifying, analyzing, and solving common workplace problems through collaborative discussion and hands-on activities. The lesson will build social, critical thinking, and communication skills relevant to job success.

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Common Core Standards Alignment

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.1
  Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, teacher-led) with diverse partners, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.9-10.4
  Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative, connotative, and technical meanings; analyze the cumulative impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone.

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.2
  Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content.

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Learning Objectives (I Can Statements)

• I can identify common workplace problems by listening and sharing ideas with my classmates.
• I can explain one or more ways to solve a typical workplace problem.
• I can work cooperatively with my peers to communicate solutions clearly.
• I can write or draw a plan to solve a workplace problem.

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Success Criteria

• I can participate in group discussions by raising my hand and respecting others.
• I can describe at least one workplace problem and suggest a solution.
• I can complete a simple graphic organizer with a problem and a solution.
• I can use pictures or words to communicate my plan.

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Materials

• Dyslexia-friendly printed handouts on common workplace problems (simple fonts like OpenDyslexic or Arial, with colored overlays available)
• Large chart paper or whiteboard for mapping ideas
• Markers, colored pencils
• Workplace problem scenario cards with visuals
• Graphic organizer templates (problem-solution)
• Clipboards

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Lesson Procedure

1. Warm-Up and Introduction (10 minutes)

• Activity: Whole group discussion
• Teacher introduces the topic: "Sometimes problems happen at work. Let's talk about what kinds of problems could happen and how to solve them."
• Show 2-3 simple, dyslexia-friendly reading excerpts describing common workplace problems (e.g. miscommunication, being late, equipment not working).
• Read aloud together as a class, using pacing support and highlighting key vocabulary visually.
• Use think-aloud strategy to model how to identify a problem.

Differentiation:

• Provide audio versions of the reading excerpts for students who benefit from listening.
• Use visual aids/pictures to support understanding.

2. Small Group Hands-On Activity (20 minutes)

• Activity: Problem-Solution Scenario Cards
• Divide students into 2 groups of 5.
• Each group receives 3 scenario cards outlining a workplace problem with pictures and a graphic organizer sheet.
• Students discuss each problem in their group and use the organizer to write or draw their solution for each one. Teacher circulates, prompting and supporting discussion.

Differentiation:

• Allow choice between writing or drawing answers.
• Provide sentence starters on the graphic organizer ("The problem is...", "We can fix it by...").
• Pair stronger readers/writers with peers for peer support.

3. Whole Group Sharing & Reflection (15 minutes)

• Each group presents one of their solved workplace problems and explains their solution using simple language or drawings.
• Teacher guides respectful listening and question asking from classmates using sentence frames ("Can you tell me more about...?").
• Chart key solutions on board for visual reinforcement.

Differentiation:

• Students may present orally, with a peer, or using their drawings.
• Give extra wait-time after questions.

4. Independent Application & Closing (10 minutes)

• Students pick one workplace problem from the day’s discussion and write or sketch a quick personal plan on how they would solve it at a job they might have in the future.
• Teacher collects these for informal assessment of understanding and participation.

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Differentiation Strategies

• Visual Supports: Use picture cards, graphic organizers, simplified texts, and dyslexia-friendly fonts and coloring.
• Multi-sensory: Incorporate drawing, speaking, and listening activities.
• Peer Assistance: Pair students strategically for peer support.
• Flexible Outputs: Accept drawings, verbal explanations, or written answers.
• Scaffolded Questions: Use guiding questions to support critical thinking.

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Assessment

• Observation of participation in group discussions.
• Review of graphic organizers for accurate problem identification and reasonable solutions.
• Informal evaluation of individual quick plans for application of problem-solving skills.

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Reflection for Future Lessons

• Monitor which types of problems or supports students respond best to.
• Increase complexity gradually by introducing multi-step problems or role-plays.
• Explore integrating digital tools for scenario-based learning.

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Teacher Reflection Questions

• How effectively did students engage in identifying and discussing workplace problems?
• Were students able to articulate solutions clearly, either verbally, in writing, or through drawings?
• Did the differentiation strategies support all learners in participating and understanding the content?
• How well did students collaborate during group activities, and what behaviors supported or hindered this?
• Which parts of the lesson generated the most student interest or challenges?
• How can the lesson be adjusted to better support students who struggled with problem-solving or communication?
• Did the materials and supports (e.g., dyslexia-friendly fonts, visuals) meet the diverse needs of the class?
• What evidence from student work or discussion indicates mastery of the lesson objectives?
• How might technology or additional resources enhance future lessons on workplace problem solving?

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This lesson equips students with practical communication and problem-solving skills tailored to a real-life context, balancing cognitive challenges with accessible materials aligned to Common Core standards for meaningful achievement.