Solving Problems Together

As a learner-centric school, we want our learners to be independent problem solvers. In this brief interview with Carla Shalaby, PhD, author of Troublemakers: Lessons in Freedom from Young Children at School, Dr. Shalaby describes the environment we strive to create here at Charter.

At home, you can use the “three-question method” to help foster the growth mindset your learner needs to be a successful independent problem solver. When a learner comes across an obstacle, resist the temptation to fix the issue for them. Instead, ask open-ended questions to help them find a solution. One questioning technique is to ask What-Why-How to guide the student towards a problem-solving strategy.

What's the problem you are facing?

Why do you think that's happening?

How might you fix that?

Using a strategy such as What-Why-How questioning helps create a restorative approach by working with our learners versus doing things for (permissive), to (punitive), or not doing anything at all (neglectful). Thank you for your partnership in supporting your learner’s growth mindset with us!

Jennifer Pellegrine, Executive Director
October 25, 2021