Community Problem Solving (CmPS)

Students work in teams to identify a problem which exists in their own community, write a scenario, then apply the steps of the Future Problem Solving process which they see as being appropriate for their particular problem, so that they can develop a plan of action. They then implement the plan of action to solve their problem. This is a year long component of the programme which has seen some students have profound impacts on their local community. It could become a component of a school's technology programme.

It is recommended that coaches would benefit from one year's experience in Future Problem Solving before implementing CmPS.

This programme takes students beyond simple regurgitation of facts. They are encouraged to apply information they have acquired by research to some of the more complex issues faced by society. They are asked to think, to make decisions and to develop and carry out plans of action.

Both FPS and CmPS have links to all of the essential learning areas of the New Zealand Curriculum framework.