The Language Magnifier for Problem Solving Project 2007-2008
This year, STC thanks very much the Gifted Section of the Education Bureau, particularly Ms. Dorothy Li for working with the English Department on a new project focusing on solving problems creatively using the Language Magnifier Model.
Several potential F.1 students underwent a screening procedure, taking a written and speaking test, taking into account their English results. 17 students were selected
and they attended a ten-day course every week after school. At the end of the course, they were asked to work in groups and present a problem and show how they could apply the
techniques to solve the problem.
The Language Magnifier for Problem Solving Model (6 steps)
- 1. Problem Awareness (Is there a problem? What is the main problem?)
- 2. Fact finding (What facts do we have about hte problem? The 5 W's)
- 3. Problem finding (What are the sub-problems which add difficulty to the major problem?)
- 4. Idea/Solution finding (Possible solutions to the problem)
- 5. Solution finding (Crtieria for the possible solutions)
- 6. Acceptance finding (developing an action plan)
Throughout the course, the 17 F.1 students looked deeper into current affairs, from global warming, pollution to advertising, gender roles and tourism, with which they had
to use the Language Magnifying Model to find the problem and solve the problem. At the end of the course, they worked in groups to present a current problem and share their ideas
on how to solve the problem, demonstrating their critical thinking, creativity and English speaking skills.
Here is their brilliant work.
