Problem-solving is a top skill students seek. Teaching it jointly adds value by modeling diverse thinking and collaborative resolution. When co-producers teach together, showcasing dual approaches to challenges demonstrates adaptability and teamwork. This article guides you through designing a problem-solving curriculum that leverages co-teaching, real-world examples, and iterative student interaction.
1. Define the Problem-Solving Framework Together
- Choose or co-create a logical problem-solving model (e.g. define → analyze → ideate → implement).
- Co-produce thinking routines: “Instructor A leads define; B contrasts with brainstorming.”
- Shared frameworks show collaboration in action.
2. Launch with a Co-Diagnosis Case Study
- Present a real issue (e.g., course launch stalled)—co-instructors analyze together.
- Record a video segment discussing possible root causes, featuring your different viewpoints.
- Modeling co-analysis helps students internalize dual-thinking strategies.
3. Break Modules Along Problem-Solving Phases
- Each course module corresponds to a framework step, taught by different instructors.
- Key checkpoints: student reflection, B-led peer discussion, A-led group review.
- Co-differentiation supports varied learner perspectives.
4. Use Paired Instructor Q&A Walkthroughs
- Add dual-instructor walkthrough videos responding to sample problems.
- One asks questions as student, the other responds, then switch roles.
- This co-teaching builds dynamic modeling and real thinking.
5. Assign Students Co-Planning Partner Activities
- Pair peers and assign tasks like root-cause diagnosis or solution ideation.
- Provide co-instructor prompts guiding pairs through phases.
- Encourage group-sharing: both instructors provide feedback on group solutions.
6. Include Instructor “Think-Aloud” Moments
- Record each instructor solving a mini-problem live, narrating internal reasoning.
- Students hear both structured thinking patterns (“I’m asking myself…”).
7. Develop Real-Time Collaborative Challenges
- Host co-led problem-solving live sessions with audience participation.
- Divide roles: A facilitates; B synthesizes options; student roles are coached live.
- Create an interactive tone that shows synergy in problem-solving.
8. Offer Resource Templates and Co-Produced Tools
- Provide worksheets and frameworks, co-branded and collaboratively built.
- Include video instructions from each instructor on how to use them.
- Structured tools help student follow collaborative logic.
9. Curate External Expert Mini-Labs
- Invite a guest expert to demonstrate step in framework.
- Co-instructors facilitate elaboration, modeling respectful co-learning.
- Expert adds depth, duo adds coherence.
10. Integrate Quiz-Based Problem Scenarios
- Design quizzes with real-world problems; A teaches analysis; B teaches solution.
- Include branching scenarios encouraging applied thinking.
- Co-created assessments reinforce dual-thinking in solving.
11. Showcase Alumni Problem Solutions
- Allow students to submit capstone projects demonstrating application.
- Co-instructors give joint feedback sessions highlighting strengths and thought diversity.
- Student outcomes show real-world co-production value.
12. Teach Metacognition Through Co-Reflection
- Conduct meta-recognition videos: each describes how they approached today’s problem.
- Students journal their own approach comparison.
- Dual metacognition builds higher thinking awareness.
13. Provide a Shared Troubleshooting Forum
- Create discussion board dedicated to problem-solving queries.
- Both instructors moderate rotatingly, showing how they approach student answers.
- Collective troubleshooting supports peer learning.
14. Set Up Mini Hackathons or Sprints
- Run 3-day sprint events focused on solving a common course challenge.
- Co-instructors guide phases with deadlines, feedback, iteration.
- Projects show problem progress in real time.
15. Evaluate Problem-Solving Skills with Rubrics
- Create rubrics that assess thinking logic, creativity, collaboration.
- Co-instructors use them jointly in peer-review or instructor-review loops.
- Rubrics help students grasp co-produced grading standards.
16. Encourage Reflection on Co-Produced Thinking
- Prompt learners: “What did you learn from A’s approach vs B’s?”
- Discussion prompts reinforce nuanced understanding.
17. Use Data to Refine Problem-Solving Sections
- Track quiz ratings, completion rates, support requests.
- Co-instructors meet to evaluate: Did students struggle with analysis or ideation? Adjust accordingly.
18. Market Co-Producing Thinking as Differentiator
- Promote: “Learn problem-solving from two perspectives.”
- Share short video snippets of A and B solving the same issue differently.
19. Build a Post-Course Problem-Solving Hub
- Offer alumni access to a problem library.
- Students can revisit past problems with dual walkthroughs.
- Co-instructor updates allow continued skill application.
20. Reflect and Evolve the Framework Together
- After each cohort, analyze student performance and feedback.
- Co-instructors reflect: what worked well? What requires rewriting?
- Update the problem framework and incorporate insights into the next version.