10 Using Problem Solving Techniques










 When leading discussion groups it is a great advantage to have a
 good grasp of certain processes that ensure focused and action-
 oriented meetings. Often the members will be grappling with some
 kind of problem; trying to reach agreement about the most appro-
 priate and feasible solutions. This chapter presents some well-tried
 techniques for generating a group discussion that draw on the
 experience of the participants and facilitate rational decision mak-
 ing. The techniques are in themselves very simple-but when they
 are followed they can greatly improve the processes and the
 consequences of discussion.

 FORCE FIELD ANALYSIS
 This is a technique for identifying and then trying to modify both
 the positive or "driving" and the negative or "restraining" forces
 that are influencing the achievement of an objective.
 The group leader needs a large sheet of paper-newsprint or
 flipchart-to build up the force field chart as the discussion pro-
 gresses. When a group is discussing a problem situation and has a
 good idea what it would like to do to overcome that problem, then
 the leader can help in guiding the discussion by "mapping out" the
 key forces on paper.
 First, he draws a line across the middle of the sheet, and on one side
 writes up all the positive and on the other side the negative forces
 (see the illustration on the next page).
 The process will become clearer if we take an example.
 An extension worker is attending a meeting of a women's group to
 give them information about the On-Farm Grain Storage Project.
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