2000 School Magazine

beyond the classroom

FUTURE PROBLEM SOLVING

Program. This aspect of the program is advantageous to teams, as they are able to analyse their own booklets, and a more comprehensive understanding of the process is achieved. The evaluation process is a means of returning something to the program from which participa receive so many valuable skills. During 1999, three teams were invited to the National Finals in Melbourne, and of course, one team attended the International Finals in America. The generosity of the school in terms of funding these events was substantial and greatly appreciated. For obvious reasons, however, th funding of the program's success could not equitably continue into 2000. It was therefore decided that a Parent Fundraising Support Group would be initiated, to ensure the continued success and expansion of the FPS program. All members of the program are extremely grateful for their parents' time and support. This year we welcomed back Elise Rogers, an old girl and early FPS team member, who has now returned as a coach. She is also a national evaluator and has been able to share invaluable help and advice. We have enjoyed working with her. Finally, on behalf of the members of Future Problem Solving, I would like to express thanks to Mrs Stubbing ton and Mr Allinson for their ongoing support and expertise in the program. All teams have worked cohesiveIy during the course of the year and I am sure that everyone has improved their skills in the areas of creativity, analysis, research and above all, problem solving. As we enter an age of more complex SOCietal, financial and environmental problems, the vision of our youth must be developed and Future Problem Solving is ideal training in the kind of lateral thinking required to solve these problems.

Inspired by the victory of the four former BGGS students who became the International Future Problem Solving Champions in 1999, this academicallyinvaluable program has enjoyed another year of success. Yet again we have three teams who have won places in the National Finals 2000 in Melbourne. Congratulations must go to the Year 10 team and the two Year 9 teams on their fantastic effort. Perhaps the most valuable skill learnt from Future Problem Solving is that of team work. Four students must function co-operativeIy and cohesiveIy in a team in order to complete a booklet relating to a future scenario in a period of two hours' The process is complex and uncompromising. After the teams are introduced to a topic, they must identify challenges relating to a future scenario, expose the underlying problem, introduce creative solutions to explicate that problem, and compose criteria which will ultimately lead to the main solution - a rather challenging exercise! The result of this process is assessed by Future Problem Solving Evaluators, who offer comprehensive and beneficial feedback to the teams. This year, several experienced members of the BGGS program were coached by the National Director Niranjan Casinader, and Sarah Hancock nowjoins Kavita Paw and Sarah Hack as qualified evaluators in the National

Soreh Hoof

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