Problem-solving skills are not just essential for academic success but also for navigating the complexities of daily life. For students with special needs, mastering these skills is paramount to fostering independence and confidence. According to insights from the American Psychological Association (APA), when learning to solve problems, students need educators who provide academic support while also acknowledging the social and behavioral aspects of this process.
Teachers of students with special needs must learn tactics and techniques to pass this knowledge on to their students. Graduates of the University of Mount Saint Vincent (UMSV) online Master of Science (MS) in Special Education (All Grades Pre-K Through 12) with Certificate program have the tools to effectively teach problem-solving skills to students with diverse learning needs.
Types of Problem-solving Strategies
Teachers focus on problem-solving skills mainly to help students achieve independence. The APA article provides effective solutions and approaches to support academic problem-solving, such as using feedback and promoting self-affirming behaviors.
APA explains that “positive messages about people with disabilities (or other demographic groups to which students belong) and self-affirming activities, may help counteract students’ negative self-perceptions due to stereotypes about factors such as their race or disability status, and may in turn increase academic performance.”
APA also advises against “unsolicited offers of help by a teacher” in some cases. This is because “sympathetic affect from a teacher following student failure can be interpreted by students as indirect and subtle cues about low ability.” For social issues, like making new friends, teachers can use the powerful tool of role-playing scenarios.
Role-Play and Discussion
Role-playing allows students to practice problem-solving in a safe and supportive environment where they can experiment with different strategies, communicate their thoughts, and collaborate with peers.
Everyday Speech provides valuable examples of role-play and discussion activities to teach problem-solving skills to students with special needs. One example is a group activity in which students pick a common problem (“such as forgetting their lunch or missing the school bus”), discuss it, and come up with possible solutions. Then, the whole class can discuss the solutions with pros and cons and decide on the best alternative.
“This activity encourages students to work together, think critically, and consider multiple solutions to a problem. It also helps them practice communication and decision-making skills,” Everyday Speech notes.
Building Independence or “Say, Ask, Check”
Another present issue is word problems, as they often present particular challenges for students with special needs. The National Center on Intensive Intervention offers thorough insights into addressing word problems through explicit instruction, visual supports, and structured problem-solving strategies. For example, the “Say, Ask, Check” strategy encourages students to verbalize their understanding of the problem, ask clarifying questions, and verify their solutions, promoting metacognitive awareness and self-monitoring skills.
In addition to the above strategies, educators can incorporate a variety of interactive games, puzzles, and cooperative learning tasks to engage students in hands-on problem-solving experiences that foster creativity, perseverance, and resilience. Real-world simulations, case studies, and project-based learning activities provide opportunities for authentic problem-solving and decision-making, empowering students to apply their skills in meaningful contexts.
Holistic Approaches in Special Education
When teaching problem-solving skills to students with special needs, educators must adopt holistic approaches that address students’ diverse learning profiles and needs. The Classroom Management and Social Skills Development course offered in UMSV’s online MS in Special Education (All Grades Pre-K Through 12) with Certificate program teaches methods for running classrooms effectively using behavior analysis and other educational theories.
On the other hand, the Assessment and Instruction of Special Learners course offers both formal and informal ways to assess students and effective teaching methods for those with mild to moderate learning and behavior challenges. The focus is on assessing reading, writing, and math skills. It also focuses on how to use technology, including tools to assist students with learning difficulties. This personalized approach empowers students to navigate challenges, make informed decisions, and build independence in problem-solving scenarios.
Learn more about UMSV’s online Master of Science in Special Education (All Grades Pre-K Through 12) with Certificate program.
