Knowledge/Skill Building
✏️ Problem Statement Workshop
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
Content Expertise
Effective Communication
Collaboration
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.7
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.5.7
Reflection
Essential Question
Submission Required
Teacher introduces a grade-appropriate problem statement frame: "[User group] needs a way to [need] because [insight from research]." Students draft a first version using evidence from empathy and journey maps. Emphasis is placed on defining the need without naming a specific solution.
Plan day
Day 5
Duration
—
Grouping
Pair
Steps
4 steps
Lesson plan
4 steps| # | What teachers do |
|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction to problem statement framework and review of previous activity notes. Discuss empathy and journey mapping insights. (10 min) |
| 2 | Small group collaboration to synthesize notes and data, focusing on identifying patterns across interviews and research. (15 min) |
| 3 | Drafting of initial problem statements using a structured frame, facilitated by sentence starters. Students work within teams. (15 min) |
| 4 | Reflection circle where each group shares their draft, receives peer feedback, and discusses insights on local hunger issues. (5 min) |
Preparation (1 item)
- Prepare and set up a projector to display the problem statement frame template. Lay out sentence starters and graphic organizers for student use.
Student-facing instructions
Your task is to create a problem statement that reflects the local hunger issue you've researched. Begin by reviewing your empathy and journey maps to identify key insights. In your small group, synthesize this information to form a clear, human-centered problem statement using provided sentence starters. Share your drafts with peers for feedback, and participate in reflection to refine your understanding. The goal is a well-defined statement that identifies community need without naming solutions.