How to Inspire Students Through Problem Solving

Learning isn’t linear. It’s a dynamic, ongoing and intuitive process for students to think outside the box, arrive at new conclusions and cultivate effective solutions for real-world challenges.

Educators know there isn’t just one path to inspiring problem solving in the classroom. Because children are inherently creative, their limitless imagination gives them a greater likelihood of producing innovative ideas free from restriction or self-doubt. Teachers can help students achieve creative problem-solving skills by pairing their natural curiosity with hands-on STEM experiences.

Take a look at these helpful tips to inspire your students through problem solving and encourage independent, critical thinking.

Tips for Inspiring Student Problem Solving

1. Ask Open-Ended Questions

Children are masters of making candid observations. By asking open-ended questions, educators empower students to arrive at their own conclusions.

For example, if a student presents a problem they haven’t yet solved, a thoughtful response might sound like, “What’s working well here? What if there was a different way to look at this problem? How could you carry this idea throughout your project?” Or perhaps best of all – “What will happen if you follow your instincts?” These types of open-ended questions create space for student ideation and support autonomous learning, giving children ownership over their ideas.

2. Promote Authentic Problem Solving

Educator Rich Lehrer says that creating an authentic approach to problem solving involves making real-world connections. While hypotheticals are great to consider, students respond well to challenges they can identify in their daily lives.

Authentic problem solving adds meaningful context to everyday challenges, making STEM topics less abstract and more relatable. By putting meaningful problem solving at the heart of using technology for good, Lehrer inspires the next generation of inventors to make positive changes in the world.

3. Build Persistence

“Mistakes are proof that you are trying!” Does this phrase sound familiar? Problem solving is often a trial-and-error process. When students are given project-based learning opportunities, they lean into the power of persistence. There’s nothing quite like the moment when a student brings their ideas to life.

Positive reinforcement from enthusiastic educators and peers is a sure way to build resilient, confident and competent creators. Another great way to demonstrate the power of perseverance is to introduce innovative role models. For instance, persistent innovators like National Inventors Hall of Fame^® Inductees are ideal role models who will spark inspiration!

4. Incorporate Invention Education

Invention education is an inspired approach to learning that fosters creative problem solving and builds confidence in STEM subjects through the hands-on act of invention. Students test prototypes, revise their designs and troubleshoot any existing flaws.

For more than 30 years, the National Inventors Hall of Fame has been developing invention education programs that provide unique experiential learning opportunities. These programs help students develop the I Can Invent^® Mindset – the same powerful mindset National Inventors Hall of Fame Inductees have used to develop world-changing solutions. The Hall of Fame’s approach to invention education creates an environment that welcomes innovative thinkers and supports collaboration as students design new and unique solutions for modern challenges.

Learn More Ways to Inspire and Empower Students

Teachers are often children’s biggest advocates because they see and know their potential. By engaging children with authentic problem solving and instilling the confidence to find solutions, early STEM experiences lead to tangible life skills. The more educators across the country strive to foster classroom environments where every idea is valued and each student feels inspired to problem solve, the better the academic outcomes! To learn more, explore our website.