Introduction
This topic focuses on two key management functions; concepts of decision-making and problem-solving in schools. This you tube video on decision making and problem solving by Dennis Gildert of Appreciative Strategies. Listen to it then proceed to the learning Activities.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of this topic, the participant should be able to;
- Define decision-making and problem solving;
- Explain approaches to decision making and problem solving;
- Discuss seven-step problem solving,decision making process;
- Apply the techniques of decison making and problem solving in educational institutions.
Learning Activities
Activity1: Decision making and Problem solving
Problem solving and decision-making are important skills for life. Problem-solving often involves decision-making, and decision-making is especially important for Educational administrators.
Reading Activity
This link(Click here) contains resources on decision making and problem solving. You will also find two case studies, analyse the case studies and based on your analysis participate in the discussion activity below.
Discussion Activity
While you read the case studies above,I hope you visualized in your mind the seven-step problem-solving, decisionmaking process.See if you can identify each step,participate in the topic 7 discussion forum the approach you would have taken in solving the crisis.
Reflect
- A parent has informed you that her daughter is expecting a baby and one of the teachers is suspected to be responsible for the pregnancy. How do you go about solving this problem?
Activity2
- Prepare a brief list of the key areas for decision making in a school (for example, staff, finance) and then see if you can recall an example of a routine decision which needs to be made in each area.What in your view is good decision-making practice?
SUMMARY
In this topic, we have examined decision-making in schools noting its relationship to problem-solving. A number of characteristics of effective decision making have been identified, including the importance of adopting a rational problem solving process and the significance of participation in decision making to help reduce conflict and improve the implementation of decisions.
