problem solving goals for adults

12 SMART Goals Examples for Problem Solving

Everyone should aim to develop their problem-solving skills in life. It’s critical for career growth and personal development. That’s why establishing SMART goals is a valuable tool for achieving success and reaching desired outcomes.

This article will provide SMART goals examples for effective problem solving. Gaining inspiration to pursue these goals can help you become more organized and effective in problem-solving situations.

Table of Contents

What is a SMART Goal?

The SMART framework is an amazing way to establish practical goals . For those unaware, SMART stands for specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-based.

Still confused? SMART goals are:

• Specific: Accomplishing goals starts with defining them and how they will be achieved. The more detailed your goals for problem solving, the greater the likelihood you have of meeting them.
• Measurable: Having a quantifiable goal is a crucial SMART component. Tracking your progress makes modifying or adjusting the path forward easier if needed. You’ll also have a tangible way to determine whether or not your objectives have been met.
• Attainable: Try to decide on what is realistically possible before pursuing goals. If possible, break down your overarching goal into smaller objectives that fall within your current capabilities. Setting too high or unrealistic expectations cause you frustration and even giving up on your aspirations altogether.
• Relevant: You must align your actions with your core values . Hence, take some time to reflect on how you want your goals to reflect your interests and values.
• Time-based: Success doesn’t come without hard work and dedication, so you should have a specific timeline when working toward your dreams. You will stay organized and motivated throughout the journey when you set a deadline.

In today’s world, being able to identify and solve problems using analytical skills can’t be undervalued. Following the 5 SMART criteria above will allow you to achieve better results with fewer resources.

Here are 12 examples of SMART goals for better problem solving:

1. Define the Problem

“I’ll create a plan to define and describe the problem I’m trying to solve by the end of two weeks. This will allow me to identify the exact issue that needs to be addressed and develop an effective solution promptly.”

Specific: The goal outlines the task of defining and describing a problem.

Measurable: You can measure your progress by creating a plan after two weeks.

Attainable: The statement is within reach because it requires critical thinking and planning.

Relevant: Defining an issue is required for enhanced problem solving.

Time-based: There is a two-week timeline for accomplishing this goal.

2. Analyze Root Cause

“I will take the time to thoroughly analyze the root cause of a problem before I attempt to come up with a solution. Before jumping into a solution, I’ll consider the possible causes and try to figure out how they interact with each other.”

Specific: The SMART goal outlines what will be done to analyze the root cause of a problem.

Measurable: You could measure how often you take the time for analysis.

Attainable: This is realistic because taking the time to do a thorough analysis is possible.

Relevant: Gaining a better understanding of the root causes of a problem can lead to more effective solutions.

Time-based: You’ll follow this process every time you solve a problem, so this goal is ongoing.

3. Be Willing to Collaborate With Others

“For the duration of 10 months, my goal is to be willing to collaborate with others to find the best solution for any problem at hand. I want to be open to exchanging ideas and listening to the opinions of others so that we can solve our problems efficiently.”

Specific: The person must proactively strive to collaborate with others.

Measurable: You can keep track of how often you collaborate monthly.

Attainable: This is feasible because it requires only the willingness to collaborate and exchange ideas.

Relevant: Collaboration allows you to find better solutions and grow your network.

Time-based: You have 10 months to pursue this particular target.

4. Evaluate Alternatives

“I will review and evaluate at least three alternative solutions to the problem by the end of this month. I’ll evaluate the costs and benefits of each solution, prioritize them based on their potential effectiveness and make my recommendation.”

Specific: You will need to review and evaluate three alternative solutions.

Measurable: Count how many alternative solutions you listed.

Attainable: With enough time and effort, anybody can review and evaluate multiple solutions.

Relevant: This is related to problem solving, which can advance your professional career .

Time-based: You have one month for goal achievement.

5. Implement Action Plan

“To ensure that my action plans are implemented effectively, I will create a timeline with concrete steps and review it every two weeks for the 6 months ahead. I want all aspects of my plan to take place as scheduled and the process is running smoothly.”

Specific: The aim is to create a timeline and review it every two weeks for 6 months.

Measurable: The person can compare their timeline to the actual results and ensure that every aspect of the plan takes place as scheduled.

Attainable: This goal is achievable if the individual has the time, resources, and support.

Relevant: Realize that implementing an action plan applies to problem solving.

Time-based: Success will be reached after 6 whole months.

6. Ask the Right Questions

“I’ll learn to ask the right questions by reading two books on effective questioning strategies and attending a workshop on the same topic within the next quarter. This will allow me to get to the root of any problem more quickly.”

Specific: The goal states what to do (read two books and attend a workshop) to learn how to ask the right questions.

Measurable: You can check your progress by reading the books and attending the workshop.

Attainable: This is a reasonable goal and can be met within the given time frame.

Relevant: Asking the right questions is key to solving any problem quickly.

Time-based: Goal completion should be accomplished within a quarter.

7. Be More Flexible

“I will seek opportunities to be more flexible when problem solving for the following 8 months. This could include offering creative solutions to issues, brainstorming ideas with colleagues, and encouraging feedback from others.”

Specific: This SMART goal is explicit because the person wants to become more flexible when problem solving.

Measurable: Check how often and effectively you follow the three action items.

Attainable : This goal is achievable if you dedicate time to being more open-minded.

Relevant: Flexibility is integral to problem solving, so this goal is highly relevant.

Time-based: Eight months is the allotted time to reach the desired result.

8. Brainstorm Solutions

“I want to develop a list of 5 potential solutions by the end of this month for any problem that arises. I’ll brainstorm with my team and research to develop the options. We’ll use these options to evaluate the most feasible solution for a specific issue.”

Specific: You should come up with a list of 5 potential solutions with your team.

Measurable: Actively count how many potential solutions you come up with.

Attainable: This goal can be achieved with research and collaboration.

Relevant: Brainstorming solutions help you evaluate the best option for a certain issue.

Time-based: You should strive to meet this goal by the end of the month.

9. Keep a Cool Head

“When encountering a difficult problem, I will strive to remain calm and not rush into any decisions. For three months, I’ll take a few moments to pause, gather my thoughts and assess the situation with a clear head before taking action.”

Specific: The person identifies the goal of remaining calm when encountering complex problems.

Measurable: It is possible to measure success in terms of how long it takes to pause and assess the situation.

Attainable: Taking a few moments before taking action is realistic for most people.

Relevant: Keeping a cool head in difficult situations is beneficial for problem solving.

Time-based: This SMART statement has an end date of three months.

10. Don’t Make Rash Assumptions

“I will no longer make assumptions or jump to conclusions without gathering facts. I’ll strive to be more open-minded when finding solutions to problems and take the time to consider all perspectives before making a decision.”

Specific: The goal is explicit in that individuals aim to be open-minded.

Measurable: You can evaluate how often assumptions are made without gathering facts or considering all perspectives.

Attainable: Anyone can take the time to consider different perspectives before making a decision.

Relevant: This is suitable for those who want to be more mindful and make better decisions.

Time-based: Since the goal is ongoing, you will pursue it on a daily basis.

11. Take Responsibility

“I will take responsibility for all my mistakes and be open to constructive criticism to improve as a professional by the end of the next quarter. I’ll also learn from my mistakes and take steps to ensure they’re not repeated.”

Specific: The statement is evident in that you will take responsibility for all mistakes.

Measurable: Progress towards this goal can be measured by how well you respond to constructive criticism.

Attainable: This is possible since the person is willing to learn and improve with constructive criticism.

Relevant: Taking responsibility for your mistakes is an important skill, making this an appropriate goal.

Time-based: You have one quarter to complete the SMART goal.

12. Let Your Creativity Flow

“I want to explore the range of my creative problem-solving abilities and come up with solutions for difficult situations. To do this, I’ll take a course in creative problem solving and apply the principles I learn to practical scenarios within two months.”

Specific: You will take a course in creative problem solving and apply the principles learned to practical scenarios.

Measurable: By enrolling in the course, you can monitor your learning progress over time.

Attainable: The goal should be realistic concerning time and resources.

Relevant: Recognize that creativity is vital in many industries.

Time-based: You should ideally reach this goal after two months.

Final Thoughts

Setting SMART goals is a fantastic approach to solving any problem. They provide a clear structure for breaking down complex tasks into manageable chunks and encourage goal-oriented thinking.

While SMART goals may not work for every situation, they can offer a valuable framework for solving complex issues. Thus, it’s beneficial to experiment with this tool to develop problem-solving strategies tailored to individual needs.

10 Best Problem-Solving Therapy Worksheets & Activities

Cognitive science tells us that we regularly face not only well-defined problems but, importantly, many that are ill defined (Eysenck & Keane, 2015).

Sometimes, we find ourselves unable to overcome our daily problems or the inevitable (though hopefully infrequent) life traumas we face.

Problem-Solving Therapy aims to reduce the incidence and impact of mental health disorders and improve wellbeing by helping clients face life’s difficulties (Dobson, 2011).

This article introduces Problem-Solving Therapy and offers techniques, activities, and worksheets that mental health professionals can use with clients.

Before you continue, we thought you might like to download our three Positive Psychology Exercises for free . These science-based exercises explore fundamental aspects of positive psychology, including strengths, values, and self-compassion, and will give you the tools to enhance the wellbeing of your clients, students, or employees.

This Article Contains:

What is problem-solving therapy, 14 steps for problem-solving therapy, 3 best interventions and techniques, 7 activities and worksheets for your session, fascinating books on the topic, resources from positivepsychology.com, a take-home message.

Problem-Solving Therapy assumes that mental disorders arise in response to ineffective or maladaptive coping. By adopting a more realistic and optimistic view of coping, individuals can understand the role of emotions and develop actions to reduce distress and maintain mental wellbeing (Nezu & Nezu, 2009).

“Problem-solving therapy (PST) is a psychosocial intervention, generally considered to be under a cognitive-behavioral umbrella” (Nezu, Nezu, & D’Zurilla, 2013, p. ix). It aims to encourage the client to cope better with day-to-day problems and traumatic events and reduce their impact on mental and physical wellbeing.

Clinical research, counseling, and health psychology have shown PST to be highly effective in clients of all ages, ranging from children to the elderly, across multiple clinical settings, including schizophrenia, stress, and anxiety disorders (Dobson, 2011).

Can it help with depression?

PST appears particularly helpful in treating clients with depression. A recent analysis of 30 studies found that PST was an effective treatment with a similar degree of success as other successful therapies targeting depression (Cuijpers, Wit, Kleiboer, Karyotaki, & Ebert, 2020).

Other studies confirm the value of PST and its effectiveness at treating depression in multiple age groups and its capacity to combine with other therapies, including drug treatments (Dobson, 2011).

The major concepts

Effective coping varies depending on the situation, and treatment typically focuses on improving the environment and reducing emotional distress (Dobson, 2011).

PST is based on two overlapping models:

Social problem-solving model

This model focuses on solving the problem “as it occurs in the natural social environment,” combined with a general coping strategy and a method of self-control (Dobson, 2011, p. 198).

The model includes three central concepts:

• Social problem-solving
• The problem
• The solution

The model is a “self-directed cognitive-behavioral process by which an individual, couple, or group attempts to identify or discover effective solutions for specific problems encountered in everyday living” (Dobson, 2011, p. 199).

Relational problem-solving model

The theory of PST is underpinned by a relational problem-solving model, whereby stress is viewed in terms of the relationships between three factors:

• Stressful life events
• Emotional distress and wellbeing
• Problem-solving coping

Therefore, when a significant adverse life event occurs, it may require “sweeping readjustments in a person’s life” (Dobson, 2011, p. 202).

• Enhance positive problem orientation
• Decrease negative orientation
• Foster ability to apply rational problem-solving skills
• Reduce the tendency to avoid problem-solving
• Minimize the tendency to be careless and impulsive

D’Zurilla’s and Nezu’s model includes (modified from Dobson, 2011):

• Initial structuring Establish a positive therapeutic relationship that encourages optimism and explains the PST approach.
• Assessment Formally and informally assess areas of stress in the client’s life and their problem-solving strengths and weaknesses.
• Obstacles to effective problem-solving Explore typically human challenges to problem-solving, such as multitasking and the negative impact of stress. Introduce tools that can help, such as making lists, visualization, and breaking complex problems down.
• Problem orientation – fostering self-efficacy Introduce the importance of a positive problem orientation, adopting tools, such as visualization, to promote self-efficacy.
• Problem orientation – recognizing problems Help clients recognize issues as they occur and use problem checklists to ‘normalize’ the experience.
• Problem orientation – seeing problems as challenges Encourage clients to break free of harmful and restricted ways of thinking while learning how to argue from another point of view.
• Problem orientation – use and control emotions Help clients understand the role of emotions in problem-solving, including using feelings to inform the process and managing disruptive emotions (such as cognitive reframing and relaxation exercises).
• Problem orientation – stop and think Teach clients how to reduce impulsive and avoidance tendencies (visualizing a stop sign or traffic light).
• Problem definition and formulation Encourage an understanding of the nature of problems and set realistic goals and objectives.
• Generation of alternatives Work with clients to help them recognize the wide range of potential solutions to each problem (for example, brainstorming).
• Decision-making Encourage better decision-making through an improved understanding of the consequences of decisions and the value and likelihood of different outcomes.
• Solution implementation and verification Foster the client’s ability to carry out a solution plan, monitor its outcome, evaluate its effectiveness, and use self-reinforcement to increase the chance of success.
• Guided practice Encourage the application of problem-solving skills across multiple domains and future stressful problems.
• Rapid problem-solving Teach clients how to apply problem-solving questions and guidelines quickly in any given situation.

Success in PST depends on the effectiveness of its implementation; using the right approach is crucial (Dobson, 2011).

Problem-solving therapy – Baycrest

The following interventions and techniques are helpful when implementing more effective problem-solving approaches in client’s lives.

First, it is essential to consider if PST is the best approach for the client, based on the problems they present.

Is PPT appropriate?

It is vital to consider whether PST is appropriate for the client’s situation. Therapists new to the approach may require additional guidance (Nezu et al., 2013).

Therapists should consider the following questions before beginning PST with a client (modified from Nezu et al., 2013):

• Has PST proven effective in the past for the problem? For example, research has shown success with depression, generalized anxiety, back pain, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, and supporting caregivers (Nezu et al., 2013).
• Is PST acceptable to the client?
• Is the individual experiencing a significant mental or physical health problem?

All affirmative answers suggest that PST would be a helpful technique to apply in this instance.

Five problem-solving steps

The following five steps are valuable when working with clients to help them cope with and manage their environment (modified from Dobson, 2011).

Ask the client to consider the following points (forming the acronym ADAPT) when confronted by a problem:

• Attitude Aim to adopt a positive, optimistic attitude to the problem and problem-solving process.
• Define Obtain all required facts and details of potential obstacles to define the problem.
• Alternatives Identify various alternative solutions and actions to overcome the obstacle and achieve the problem-solving goal.
• Predict Predict each alternative’s positive and negative outcomes and choose the one most likely to achieve the goal and maximize the benefits.
• Try out Once selected, try out the solution and monitor its effectiveness while engaging in self-reinforcement.

If the client is not satisfied with their solution, they can return to step ‘A’ and find a more appropriate solution.

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Positive self-statements

When dealing with clients facing negative self-beliefs, it can be helpful for them to use positive self-statements.

Use the following (or add new) self-statements to replace harmful, negative thinking (modified from Dobson, 2011):

• I can solve this problem; I’ve tackled similar ones before.
• I can cope with this.
• I just need to take a breath and relax.
• Once I start, it will be easier.
• It’s okay to look out for myself.
• I can get help if needed.
• Other people feel the same way I do.
• I’ll take one piece of the problem at a time.
• I can keep my fears in check.
• I don’t need to please everyone.

5 Worksheets and workbooks

Problem-solving self-monitoring form.

Answering the questions in the Problem-Solving Self-Monitoring Form provides the therapist with necessary information regarding the client’s overall and specific problem-solving approaches and reactions (Dobson, 2011).

Ask the client to complete the following:

• Describe the problem you are facing.
• What is your goal?
• What have you tried so far to solve the problem?
• What was the outcome?

Reactions to Stress

It can be helpful for the client to recognize their own experiences of stress. Do they react angrily, withdraw, or give up (Dobson, 2011)?

The Reactions to Stress worksheet can be given to the client as homework to capture stressful events and their reactions. By recording how they felt, behaved, and thought, they can recognize repeating patterns.

What Are Your Unique Triggers?

Helping clients capture triggers for their stressful reactions can encourage emotional regulation.

When clients can identify triggers that may lead to a negative response, they can stop the experience or slow down their emotional reaction (Dobson, 2011).

The What Are Your Unique Triggers ? worksheet helps the client identify their triggers (e.g., conflict, relationships, physical environment, etc.).

Problem-Solving worksheet

Imagining an existing or potential problem and working through how to resolve it can be a powerful exercise for the client.

Use the Problem-Solving worksheet to state a problem and goal and consider the obstacles in the way. Then explore options for achieving the goal, along with their pros and cons, to assess the best action plan.

Getting the Facts

Clients can become better equipped to tackle problems and choose the right course of action by recognizing facts versus assumptions and gathering all the necessary information (Dobson, 2011).

Use the Getting the Facts worksheet to answer the following questions clearly and unambiguously:

• Who is involved?
• What did or did not happen, and how did it bother you?
• Where did it happen?
• When did it happen?
• Why did it happen?
• How did you respond?

2 Helpful Group Activities

While therapists can use the worksheets above in group situations, the following two interventions work particularly well with more than one person.

Generating Alternative Solutions and Better Decision-Making

A group setting can provide an ideal opportunity to share a problem and identify potential solutions arising from multiple perspectives.

Use the Generating Alternative Solutions and Better Decision-Making worksheet and ask the client to explain the situation or problem to the group and the obstacles in the way.

Once the approaches are captured and reviewed, the individual can share their decision-making process with the group if they want further feedback.

Visualization

Visualization can be performed with individuals or in a group setting to help clients solve problems in multiple ways, including (Dobson, 2011):

• Clarifying the problem by looking at it from multiple perspectives
• Rehearsing a solution in the mind to improve and get more practice
• Visualizing a ‘safe place’ for relaxation, slowing down, and stress management

Guided imagery is particularly valuable for encouraging the group to take a ‘mental vacation’ and let go of stress.

Ask the group to begin with slow, deep breathing that fills the entire diaphragm. Then ask them to visualize a favorite scene (real or imagined) that makes them feel relaxed, perhaps beside a gently flowing river, a summer meadow, or at the beach.

The more the senses are engaged, the more real the experience. Ask the group to think about what they can hear, see, touch, smell, and even taste.

Encourage them to experience the situation as fully as possible, immersing themselves and enjoying their place of safety.

Such feelings of relaxation may be able to help clients fall asleep, relieve stress, and become more ready to solve problems.

We have included three of our favorite books on the subject of Problem-Solving Therapy below.

1. Problem-Solving Therapy: A Treatment Manual – Arthur Nezu, Christine Maguth Nezu, and Thomas D’Zurilla

This is an incredibly valuable book for anyone wishing to understand the principles and practice behind PST.

Written by the co-developers of PST, the manual provides powerful toolkits to overcome cognitive overload, emotional dysregulation, and the barriers to practical problem-solving.

Find the book on Amazon .

2. Emotion-Centered Problem-Solving Therapy: Treatment Guidelines – Arthur Nezu and Christine Maguth Nezu

Another, more recent, book from the creators of PST, this text includes important advances in neuroscience underpinning the role of emotion in behavioral treatment.

Along with clinical examples, the book also includes crucial toolkits that form part of a stepped model for the application of PST.

3. Handbook of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapies – Keith Dobson and David Dozois

This is the fourth edition of a hugely popular guide to Cognitive-Behavioral Therapies and includes a valuable and insightful section on Problem-Solving Therapy.

This is an important book for students and more experienced therapists wishing to form a high-level and in-depth understanding of the tools and techniques available to Cognitive-Behavioral Therapists.

For even more tools to help strengthen your clients’ problem-solving skills, check out the following free worksheets from our blog.

• Case Formulation Worksheet This worksheet presents a four-step framework to help therapists and their clients come to a shared understanding of the client’s presenting problem.
• Understanding Your Default Problem-Solving Approach This worksheet poses a series of questions helping clients reflect on their typical cognitive, emotional, and behavioral responses to problems.
• Social Problem Solving: Step by Step This worksheet presents a streamlined template to help clients define a problem, generate possible courses of action, and evaluate the effectiveness of an implemented solution.

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While we are born problem-solvers, facing an incredibly diverse set of challenges daily, we sometimes need support.

Problem-Solving Therapy aims to reduce stress and associated mental health disorders and improve wellbeing by improving our ability to cope. PST is valuable in diverse clinical settings, ranging from depression to schizophrenia, with research suggesting it as a highly effective treatment for teaching coping strategies and reducing emotional distress.

Many PST techniques are available to help improve clients’ positive outlook on obstacles while reducing avoidance of problem situations and the tendency to be careless and impulsive.

The PST model typically assesses the client’s strengths, weaknesses, and coping strategies when facing problems before encouraging a healthy experience of and relationship with problem-solving.

Why not use this article to explore the theory behind PST and try out some of our powerful tools and interventions with your clients to help them with their decision-making, coping, and problem-solving?

We hope you enjoyed reading this article. Don’t forget to download our three Positive Psychology Exercises for free .

• Cuijpers, P., Wit, L., Kleiboer, A., Karyotaki, E., & Ebert, D. (2020). Problem-solving therapy for adult depression: An updated meta-analysis. European P sychiatry ,  48 (1), 27–37.
• Dobson, K. S. (2011). Handbook of cognitive-behavioral therapies (3rd ed.). Guilford Press.
• Dobson, K. S., & Dozois, D. J. A. (2021). Handbook of cognitive-behavioral therapies  (4th ed.). Guilford Press.
• Eysenck, M. W., & Keane, M. T. (2015). Cognitive psychology: A student’s handbook . Psychology Press.
• Nezu, A. M., & Nezu, C. M. (2009). Problem-solving therapy DVD . Retrieved September 13, 2021, from https://www.apa.org/pubs/videos/4310852
• Nezu, A. M., & Nezu, C. M. (2018). Emotion-centered problem-solving therapy: Treatment guidelines. Springer.
• Nezu, A. M., Nezu, C. M., & D’Zurilla, T. J. (2013). Problem-solving therapy: A treatment manual . Springer.

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How to Write Cognition Goals for Speech Therapy [with goal bank]

Cognition goals for speech therapy include the areas of attention, memory, problem-solving, executive functions, and using compensatory strategies. Individuals with cognitive-communicative deficits may benefit from speech therapy to address these areas and improve cognitive functioning.

Cognition and Speech Therapy

Individuals with diagnosed cognitive-communicative disorders are usually referred for speech therapy services. These cognitive-communicative disorders may result from a brain injury or acquired neurological disease. Often, individuals with cognitive-communicative disorders receive speech therapy because they have communication difficulties, which impact their ability to participate in day-to-day activities that they once were able to. These may include social interactions, job duties, or academics.

Areas of cognitive-communicative challenges may include:

• Executive functions
• Problem-solving
• Language (often related to semantics and pragmatics)

How to Write Cognition Goals

If you haven’t already, check out our article that outlines How to Write Speech Therapy Goals.

For the purpose of this article, we will discuss the process of goal writing for individuals receiving speech therapy for cognitive-communicative challenges.

The first step to writing goals is identifying the area(s) of need . These needs may be identified through formal and informal assessments, observations, and interviews. For example, a formal assessment to test cognitive-communicative function may include the RBANS , and an informal assessment may include a questionnaire about how the individual’s memory and attention skills may be impacting their life.

Getting a detailed case history and asking specific questions about what has been affecting the client and what they want to work on is key! For example, if they want to return to work, goals may be tailored to their job. If they want to live independently, goals may be related to completing activities of daily living (ADLs). For individuals receiving cognitive-communication services, person- and/or family-centered care has shown to be greatly beneficial for personal outcomes and clinical decision-making (like developing goals!).

Once you have identified the area(s) or need, you can begin creating the goals you are going to write and target.

As seen above, speech goals should be written with 3* components in mind: the DO statement , the CONDITION statement , and the CRITERION statement .

*Also commonly included is consistency (we incorporate this!). Aka: does the individual have to meet a specific criterion more than once? A common example of this may include across 3 consecutive sessions . This is usually something understood by the therapy organization/service provider and is sometimes/sometimes not included in the written goal itself. Including consistency statements ensure that the skill has been generalized and provides more reliable data that the skill has been properly mastered.

DO statement

What the client is actually going to DO and the specific skill they will be working towards.

Example: complete divided attention tasks

CONDITION statement

T he specific setting and/or context where your client will work on this skill.

Example: related to their profession

CRITERION statement

How the client’s performance will be measured.

Example: with 85% accuracy

DO + CONDITION + CRITERION

Example: [Client] will complete divided attention tasks, related to their profession, with 85% accuracy.

There you have it! An example using our Goal Writing Formula containing the DO + CONDITION + CRITERION (don’t forget to think about consistency!) for increasing communication skills for services targeting cognitive skill areas.

Cognition Goal Bank

The following are some examples of speech therapy goals that may be targeted in sessions. You can take these goals as is, or take the “do” statement from one, the “condition” from another, and the “criterion” from another. Remember: the best goals are the ones that most closely align with the client’s needs, and all clients are different!

Example #1: [Client] will complete divided attention tasks, related to their profession, with 85% accuracy.

Example #2: [Client] will complete alternating attention tasks, in structured settings, with 90% accuracy, across 2 consecutive sessions.

Example #3: [Client] will complete a sustained attention task, in a quiet environment, for 15 minutes, in 2/3  opportunities.  

Example #1: [Client] will use external memory aids to retell daily activities, while communicating with a familiar partner, in 7/10 trials, across 2 out of 3 sessions.

Example #2: [Client] will use internal memory aids to recall the steps of a simple recipe (i.e., 3 to 4 steps), in a natural setting, with 75% accuracy.

Example #3: [Client] will recall at least 4/5 of their daily medications, using learned strategies, for 3 consecutive days.

Executive Functions

Example #1: [Client] will determine 3 tasks to complete each day, related to their occupation, in 90% of opportunities.

Example #2: [Client] will self-monitor their ability to complete activities of daily living (ADLs), using a checklist while at home, with 80% accuracy.

Example #3: [Client] will create a grocery list for a week of meals, in a natural setting, with 80% accuracy, across 3 consecutive weeks.

Problem-Solving

Example #1: [Client] will identify a basic problem and its corresponding solution, related to personal ADLs, in 75% of opportunities.

Example #2: [Client] will identify whether or not they can solve a problem independently, while working on an academic assignment, in 8/10 trials.

Example #3: [Client] will state 2 possible problems, related to a medical issue, in 80% of opportunities.

We hope you found this helpful! Find more goal banks below.

• How to Write Aphasia Goals
• How to Write Executive Functions Goals
• How to Write Self-Determination Goals
• How to Write AAC Goals

Looking for a goal bank that we don’t have? Let us know! You can email us at [email protected] or DM us on Instagram @communicationcommunity.

https://www.asha.org/policy/pp2004-00191/#sec1.3.23

https://www.asha.org/slp/clinical/cognitive-communication/

https://www.asha.org/practice-portal/clinical-topics/aphasia/person-and-family-centered-care/

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Hello SLP’s! It’s a good week to keep plugging along with the Functional Treatment for Everyday Cognition Series! Who has had a chance to use the newly-released   Book 1: Goal Management Training?   As always, thank you for your support which allows me to create these materials .  I would love to hear your stories of how this evidence-based treatment is helping you meet functional goals!

Speaking of goals, today I wanted to share Goal Makeovers so you can see just how Goal Management Training might help you adjust goals and treatment in the setting you are, for a person-centered approach.

Psst: In case you are just tuning in, this post is part of the  Functional Treatment for Everyday Cognition Series:  If you have that deep-down knowledge/feeling that games and worksheets aren’t really cutting it for our neuro patients…. but aren’t sure what else to pass the time with in therapy, then this series if for you! Evidence tells us there are TONS of treatment methods we can apply to make a functional difference in our patients’ lives!

As a refresher, Book 1:  Goal Management Training specifically uses the Goal-Plan-Do-Review process, which is a type of Metacognitive Strategy Instruction. This process has been shown to improve problem-solving, strategy use, self-regulation, organization, and life participation.

This book specifically includes functional need ideas organized by activity category and setting– once you have that need, you simply apply the Goal Management Training process to this need, and you choose what you are monitoring for improvement within that functional context (Problem-solving, strategy use, organization, life participation, or self-regulation!)

Let’s look at 1 example (There are 35 others in Book 1 across treatment settings!).

Case Example: The patient has moderate cognitive-communication challenges after right hemisphere aneurysm burst and clipping brain surgery repair. SLP is treating the patient within 14 days in a facility setting (hospital, inpatient rehab, skilled nursing, etc). Basic daily problem-solving is poor; the patient needs frequent cues to function safely within the facility and is a fall risk. Highly frustrated with lack of independence, but poor ability to reflect on cognitive deficits or attempt to use a strategy to improve performance. Score on Montreal Cognitive Assessment is 16/30, with problem-solving, organization, and attention challenges noted.

Non-Functional Goal for Problem Solving: The patient will complete simple dedication puzzle with 80% acc.

**  MAKEOVER to Functional Problem-Solving Goal: The patient will improve problem-solving for ordering meals by completing Goal-Plan-Do-Review process and following 3/4 steps with no verbal cues.

Non-Functional Goal for Organization: The patient will sequence 3 items with 90% acc.

** MAKEOVER to Functional Organization Goal: The patient will improve thought organization for managing follow-up phone calls for bill pay through Goal-Plan-Do-Review process,  marked  by patient generating 2+ steps independently (compared to baseline of 0).

Non-Functional Goal for Strategy Use: The patient will use strategy of checking work on worksheet on 2/3 attempts.

** MAKEOVER to Functional Strategy Use Goal:  The Person will improve his/her ability to independently use a strategy to correctly use a phone in facility setting, using Goal-Plan-Do-Review process, marked by increase from baseline strategy use of 0.

Non-Functional Goal for Life Participation: ??? Is there such a thing? If it’s truly life participation, it should be functional.

** MAKEOVER to Functional Life Participation Goal: The  patient  will increase life participation in social engagement by using Goal-Plan-Do-Review process to plan goal, steps, and strategies that will be used to know and attend facility’s social calendar events at least 1x/week (baseline 2/month).

Purchase Book 1: Goal Management Training in my store, and stay tuned for multiple other parts to this series!

Blog posts in this series:

Why Functional Treatment for Everyday Cognition Matters

More About Book 1: Goal Management Training

Make sure you get the latest functional therapy updates: Follow Honeycomb Speech Therapy on  Facebook  ,  Pinterest , or Instagram , or sign up for email updates below.

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Problem-Solving Strategies and Obstacles

Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

Sean is a fact-checker and researcher with experience in sociology, field research, and data analytics.

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• Application
• Improvement

From deciding what to eat for dinner to considering whether it's the right time to buy a house, problem-solving is a large part of our daily lives. Learn some of the problem-solving strategies that exist and how to use them in real life, along with ways to overcome obstacles that are making it harder to resolve the issues you face.

What Is Problem-Solving?

In cognitive psychology , the term 'problem-solving' refers to the mental process that people go through to discover, analyze, and solve problems.

A problem exists when there is a goal that we want to achieve but the process by which we will achieve it is not obvious to us. Put another way, there is something that we want to occur in our life, yet we are not immediately certain how to make it happen.

Maybe you want a better relationship with your spouse or another family member but you're not sure how to improve it. Or you want to start a business but are unsure what steps to take. Problem-solving helps you figure out how to achieve these desires.

The problem-solving process involves:

• Discovery of the problem
• Deciding to tackle the issue
• Seeking to understand the problem more fully
• Researching available options or solutions
• Taking action to resolve the issue

Before problem-solving can occur, it is important to first understand the exact nature of the problem itself. If your understanding of the issue is faulty, your attempts to resolve it will also be incorrect or flawed.

Problem-Solving Mental Processes

Several mental processes are at work during problem-solving. Among them are:

• Perceptually recognizing the problem
• Representing the problem in memory
• Considering relevant information that applies to the problem
• Identifying different aspects of the problem
• Labeling and describing the problem

Problem-Solving Strategies

There are many ways to go about solving a problem. Some of these strategies might be used on their own, or you may decide to employ multiple approaches when working to figure out and fix a problem.

An algorithm is a step-by-step procedure that, by following certain "rules" produces a solution. Algorithms are commonly used in mathematics to solve division or multiplication problems. But they can be used in other fields as well.

In psychology, algorithms can be used to help identify individuals with a greater risk of mental health issues. For instance, research suggests that certain algorithms might help us recognize children with an elevated risk of suicide or self-harm.

One benefit of algorithms is that they guarantee an accurate answer. However, they aren't always the best approach to problem-solving, in part because detecting patterns can be incredibly time-consuming.

There are also concerns when machine learning is involved—also known as artificial intelligence (AI)—such as whether they can accurately predict human behaviors.

Heuristics are shortcut strategies that people can use to solve a problem at hand. These "rule of thumb" approaches allow you to simplify complex problems, reducing the total number of possible solutions to a more manageable set.

If you find yourself sitting in a traffic jam, for example, you may quickly consider other routes, taking one to get moving once again. When shopping for a new car, you might think back to a prior experience when negotiating got you a lower price, then employ the same tactics.

While heuristics may be helpful when facing smaller issues, major decisions shouldn't necessarily be made using a shortcut approach. Heuristics also don't guarantee an effective solution, such as when trying to drive around a traffic jam only to find yourself on an equally crowded route.

Trial and Error

A trial-and-error approach to problem-solving involves trying a number of potential solutions to a particular issue, then ruling out those that do not work. If you're not sure whether to buy a shirt in blue or green, for instance, you may try on each before deciding which one to purchase.

This can be a good strategy to use if you have a limited number of solutions available. But if there are many different choices available, narrowing down the possible options using another problem-solving technique can be helpful before attempting trial and error.

In some cases, the solution to a problem can appear as a sudden insight. You are facing an issue in a relationship or your career when, out of nowhere, the solution appears in your mind and you know exactly what to do.

Insight can occur when the problem in front of you is similar to an issue that you've dealt with in the past. Although, you may not recognize what is occurring since the underlying mental processes that lead to insight often happen outside of conscious awareness .

Research indicates that insight is most likely to occur during times when you are alone—such as when going on a walk by yourself, when you're in the shower, or when lying in bed after waking up.

How to Apply Problem-Solving Strategies in Real Life

If you're facing a problem, you can implement one or more of these strategies to find a potential solution. Here's how to use them in real life:

• Create a flow chart . If you have time, you can take advantage of the algorithm approach to problem-solving by sitting down and making a flow chart of each potential solution, its consequences, and what happens next.
• Recall your past experiences . When a problem needs to be solved fairly quickly, heuristics may be a better approach. Think back to when you faced a similar issue, then use your knowledge and experience to choose the best option possible.
• Start trying potential solutions . If your options are limited, start trying them one by one to see which solution is best for achieving your desired goal. If a particular solution doesn't work, move on to the next.
• Take some time alone . Since insight is often achieved when you're alone, carve out time to be by yourself for a while. The answer to your problem may come to you, seemingly out of the blue, if you spend some time away from others.

Obstacles to Problem-Solving

Problem-solving is not a flawless process as there are a number of obstacles that can interfere with our ability to solve a problem quickly and efficiently. These obstacles include:

• Assumptions: When dealing with a problem, people can make assumptions about the constraints and obstacles that prevent certain solutions. Thus, they may not even try some potential options.
• Functional fixedness : This term refers to the tendency to view problems only in their customary manner. Functional fixedness prevents people from fully seeing all of the different options that might be available to find a solution.
• Irrelevant or misleading information: When trying to solve a problem, it's important to distinguish between information that is relevant to the issue and irrelevant data that can lead to faulty solutions. The more complex the problem, the easier it is to focus on misleading or irrelevant information.
• Mental set: A mental set is a tendency to only use solutions that have worked in the past rather than looking for alternative ideas. A mental set can work as a heuristic, making it a useful problem-solving tool. However, mental sets can also lead to inflexibility, making it more difficult to find effective solutions.

How to Improve Your Problem-Solving Skills

In the end, if your goal is to become a better problem-solver, it's helpful to remember that this is a process. Thus, if you want to improve your problem-solving skills, following these steps can help lead you to your solution:

• Recognize that a problem exists . If you are facing a problem, there are generally signs. For instance, if you have a mental illness , you may experience excessive fear or sadness, mood changes, and changes in sleeping or eating habits. Recognizing these signs can help you realize that an issue exists.
• Decide to solve the problem . Make a conscious decision to solve the issue at hand. Commit to yourself that you will go through the steps necessary to find a solution.
• Seek to fully understand the issue . Analyze the problem you face, looking at it from all sides. If your problem is relationship-related, for instance, ask yourself how the other person may be interpreting the issue. You might also consider how your actions might be contributing to the situation.
• Research potential options . Using the problem-solving strategies mentioned, research potential solutions. Make a list of options, then consider each one individually. What are some pros and cons of taking the available routes? What would you need to do to make them happen?
• Take action . Select the best solution possible and take action. Action is one of the steps required for change . So, go through the motions needed to resolve the issue.
• Try another option, if needed . If the solution you chose didn't work, don't give up. Either go through the problem-solving process again or simply try another option.

You can find a way to solve your problems as long as you keep working toward this goal—even if the best solution is simply to let go because no other good solution exists.

Sarathy V. Real world problem-solving .  Front Hum Neurosci . 2018;12:261. doi:10.3389/fnhum.2018.00261

Dunbar K. Problem solving . A Companion to Cognitive Science . 2017. doi:10.1002/9781405164535.ch20

Stewart SL, Celebre A, Hirdes JP, Poss JW. Risk of suicide and self-harm in kids: The development of an algorithm to identify high-risk individuals within the children's mental health system . Child Psychiat Human Develop . 2020;51:913-924. doi:10.1007/s10578-020-00968-9

Rosenbusch H, Soldner F, Evans AM, Zeelenberg M. Supervised machine learning methods in psychology: A practical introduction with annotated R code . Soc Personal Psychol Compass . 2021;15(2):e12579. doi:10.1111/spc3.12579

Mishra S. Decision-making under risk: Integrating perspectives from biology, economics, and psychology . Personal Soc Psychol Rev . 2014;18(3):280-307. doi:10.1177/1088868314530517

Csikszentmihalyi M, Sawyer K. Creative insight: The social dimension of a solitary moment . In: The Systems Model of Creativity . 2015:73-98. doi:10.1007/978-94-017-9085-7_7

Chrysikou EG, Motyka K, Nigro C, Yang SI, Thompson-Schill SL. Functional fixedness in creative thinking tasks depends on stimulus modality .  Psychol Aesthet Creat Arts . 2016;10(4):425‐435. doi:10.1037/aca0000050

Huang F, Tang S, Hu Z. Unconditional perseveration of the short-term mental set in chunk decomposition .  Front Psychol . 2018;9:2568. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2018.02568

National Alliance on Mental Illness. Warning signs and symptoms .

Mayer RE. Thinking, problem solving, cognition, 2nd ed .

Schooler JW, Ohlsson S, Brooks K. Thoughts beyond words: When language overshadows insight. J Experiment Psychol: General . 1993;122:166-183. doi:10.1037/0096-3445.2.166

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

13+ Problem Solving Goals Speech Therapy

Our children and students are constantly having to navigate a different social situation all day long. That’s why teaching our students problem solving skills can be very beneficial. To help make your job as a Speech-Language Pathologist a little bit easier I’ve gone ahead and gathered over 13 problem solving goals for speech therapy.

Currently, with my 4-year-old twin boys, I am constantly working on how they can use their problem solving skills to come up with creative ways to solve their own problems.

Luckily as a speech therapist, I had training in teaching problem solving skills and love teaching them new strategies to try.

Right now my boys’ favorite way to problem solve is to say, “3 more minutes. You set a timer mommy.” The funny part is they don’t realize they could ask me for even more time (at least not yet!).

IEP Goals – Problem Solving Goals Speech Therapy

If you’re on the hunt for a long-term goal for problem solving here is our list of goals to add to your goal bank.

1. Given a problem and problem solving graphic organizer, STUDENT will identify 3 solutions, and the 3 consequences of those solutions, then determine the best solution and explain why that is the best solution with 80% accuracy in 4 out of 5 opportunities.

2. Given a problem, STUDENT will appropriately identify the size of the problem with 80% accuracy in 4 out of 5 opportunities.

3. Given problems at differing sizes, STUDENT will identify the appropriate reaction size to the problem with 80% accuracy in 4 out of 5 opportunities.

4. Given a real-life or role-play scenario, STUDENT will demonstrate how to accept teacher help to make an appropriate decision during a conflict situation with 80% accuracy in 4 out of 5 opportunities.

5. Given a real-life or role-play conflict scenario, STUDENT will demonstrate appropriate peer mediation skills to resolve the conflict with 80% accuracy in 4 out of 5 opportunities.

6. Given a real-life or role-play conflict scenario, STUDENT will remain calm and relaxed, listen to the other person, and determine what they can agree on with 80% accuracy in 4 out of 5 opportunities.

7. Given criticism or feedback, STUDENT will look at the person, say “okay”, and not argue with 80% accuracy in 4 out of 5 opportunities.

8. Given a problem, STUDENT will define exactly what the problem is, brainstorm possible options, consider the disadvantages and advantages of options, and choose the best option with 80% accuracy in 4 out of 5 opportunities.

9. Given a defeat or loss in a game, STUDENT will look at the person who won , remain calm, and congratulate the other person with 80% accuracy in 4 out of 5 opportunities.

10. Given an upsetting situation, STUDENT will express HIS/HER anger with non-aggressive words to describe how HE/SHE feels with 80% accuracy in 4 out of 5 opportunities.

11. Given a time when the student is angry, STUDENT will use a calming strategy (e.g., breathe slowly, take a break, count to 10, listen to music, etc.) with 80% accuracy in 4 out of 5 opportunities.

12. Given a warning and a change in routine, STUDENT will identify exactly what is changing, ask questions, remain calm, and explain HIS/HER feelings of concern with 80% accuracy in 4 out of 5 opportunities.

13. Given a warning and a change in routine, STUDENT will accept the change without becoming upset with 80% accuracy in 4 out of 5 opportunities.

14. Given a social interaction, STUDENT will identify HIS/HER emotion and why HE/SHE is feeling that way with 80% accuracy in 4 out of 5 opportunities.

Social Communication Skills – IEP Goals

Do you have students working on other social skills goals or language skills? If so, you might want to check out my other goal banks. Here are a few of the goals you would find in my massive 432 iep goal bank :

• Facial expressions
• Conversational exchange or conversational turns
• Body language
• Follow-up questions
• Expressive Language
• Wh questions or Answer questions
• Word Level, Phrase Level, and Sentence Level
• Social pragmatic goals
• Communication Device – Nonverbal communication

Short-Term Goals – Speech Therapy Goals

I know every district and even school setting has different ways it requires the goal writing of their objectives to be written, but typically my district wanted us to reduce either the number required or the percentage of achievement. 

Here are a few examples to help get you started.

If we take a sample goal:  

“Given a problem and problem solving graphic organizer, STUDENT will identify 3 solutions, the 3 consequences of those solutions, then determine the best solution, and explain why that is the best solution with 80% accuracy over 3 out of 4 consecutive sessions.”

• Reduced Number or Trials Required: The objective might be, “Given a problem and problem solving graphic organizer, STUDENT will identify 2 solutions, the 2 consequences of those solutions, then determine the best solution, and explain why that is the best solution with 80% accuracy over 3 out of 4 consecutive sessions.” 
• Reduce Percentage of Accuracy: The objective might be, “Given a problem and problem solving graphic organizer, STUDENT will identify 3 solutions, the 3 consequences of those solutions, then determine the best solution, and explain why that is the best solution with 70% accuracy over 3 out of 4 consecutive sessions.” 
• Reduce Difficulty of Task: The objective might be, “Given a problem and problem solving graphic organizer, STUDENT will pick from a selection of choices 2 possible solutions, the 2 possible consequences of those solutions, then determine the best solution, and explain why that is the best solution with 80% accuracy over 3 out of 4 consecutive sessions.”
• Reduce Number of Sessions of Accuracy: The objective might be, “Given a problem and problem solving graphic organizer, STUDENT will identify 3 solutions, the 3 consequences of those solutions, then determine the best solution, and explain why that is the best solution with 80% accuracy over 2 out of 4 consecutive sessions.”

(Meaning out of 4 therapy sessions in a row. They identified 3 possible solutions, the 3 consequences of those solutions and then determined the best solution in 2 out of 4 or 50% of the time in order to mark that goal mastered.) 

As the speech pathologist, you are the specialist and you know your students’ communication disorders and child’s ability best though, so just take the functional goals from above and simplify them into achievable steps for your specific student.

SEE ALSO: 31 Best Wordless Videos to Teach Problem Solving

Data collections – problem solving goals speech therapy.

If you’re a speech therapist or have classroom teachers in need of data tracking forms while working on your student’s social interaction skills for speech therapy then be sure to check out my IEP goal data tracking for progress monitoring forms .

Or if you simply want a list of data sheets to choose from then be sure to check out my list of 35 free speech therapy data sheets roundup .

Visual Cue – Problem Solving Goals Speech Therapy

I always love using visual cues with my students. It can really help teach a concept that can be overwhelming. 

Here is my problem solving graphic organizer that helps teach problem solving. As your child or student fills out the form you can start by providing helpful verbal prompts and hopefully, the more they work on their problem solving skills and will need less prompts.

Here are all my blog posts about problem solving that you might also find helpful!

31 Best Wordless Videos to Teach Problem Solving – Watch the fun short youtube videos and then help solve the hypothetical problems.

71+ Free Social Problem-Solving Scenarios – Read the scenarios and practice solving the problems using the helpful graphic organizer pages.

Problem Solving Wheel: Help Kids Solve Their Own Problems – Use our problem solving wheel or make your own individualized problem solving wheel for your specific student.

High School Students

The most important thing we can teach our high school aged students is how to advocate for themselves during their school day within a social setting.  

Inside my tpt store I have a self-advocacy lesson to practice solving their school life problems in a functional way. Have your students grab a communication partner and get started!

In addition to the self-advocacy lesson plan I also have a phone call lesson plan in my tpt store for making phone calls in the workplace or everyday life, such as calling the pharmacy or dentist’s office.

SEE ALSO: 71+ Free Social Problem-Solving Scenarios

Younger children.

Currently inside of my tpt store I have a problem size and reaction size lesson plan to help our younger children understand that problems are of different sizes and therefore different reaction sizes.

Another great problem solving resource in my tpt store is my problem solving restorative justice graphic visual to help children review their own feeling along with how the other person might have felt and then solve their problem.

Picture Scene

• Social Scene Set 1 , Set 2 , Set 3 , Set 4 , Set 5 , & Set 6 by Contrary Chrissy – are different social scenes along with questions for problem solving. 
• Back to School Social Language and Problem Solving Printable by Aimee Walton – includes different scenarios along with questions to help guide the student in solving the problem.

SEE ALSO: Problem Solving Wheel: Help Kids Solve Their Own Problems

Social Conversation

If you’re looking for conversational skills to keep your middle school and high school aged students engaged, asking follow-up questions, or working on generalizing their skills across multiple settings you’ll want to check out the following blog posts. 

These ideas are perfect for working in a small group setting on your student’s functional communication skills. 

• Ideas to Help Keep Your Middle/High School Students Engaged – This post reviews 5 different strategies you can use to help keep your students engaged, such as using real life photos instead of little kid graphics and using materials at different levels allowing everyone to access the resources at their individual level.
• Ideas to Maintain a Conversation with Follow-Up Questions – Read how I help middle/high school students work on their social pragmatics of maintaining a conversation by using fun and interesting materials appropriate for their age.
• Ideas to Help Students Generalize Their Conversational Skills – Learn how I use self-rating forms to work on my student’s pragmatic language goals of generalizing their conversational skills across multiple settings and with multiple different people.

Short Story

• Inferencing and Problem-Solving FREEBIE by SLP to go – This resource is perfect for older students who are working on any of the following skills: inferencing, problem-solving, predicting, role-playing, or maintaining a conversation. 
• Social Skills Problem Solving: Fighting with Friends by Let’s Build Language- Jaclyn Watson – Grab this freebie to help your students problem solve social challenges around fighting with friends.

In Conclusion: Problem Solving Goals Speech Therapy

I hope you found this list of problem solving goals to be helpful along with the resources.

Wishing you a wonderful year ahead! 

Want Even More Problem Solving Goals Speech Therapy?

• 31 Best Wordless Videos to Teach Problem Solving
• 71+ Free Social Problem-Solving Scenarios
• Problem Solving Wheel: Help Kids Solve Their Own Problems
• 917+ Best Free Boom Cards for Speech Therapy
• 432+ Free Measurable IEP Goals and Objectives Bank

Want the Best of the Bests?

Be sure to check out our most popular posts below!

• 21 Best Reinforcement Games for Speech Therapy / Teletherapy
• Best IEP Resources
• 430+ Free Multisyllabic Words List Activity Bundle
• 279+ Free Speech Therapy Digital Materials
• 179+ Free Speech Therapy Wh-Questions Printable

Clinical psychology

Psychotherapy, personality, problem solving activities for adults speech therapy.

As a BetterHelp affiliate, we may receive compensation from BetterHelp if you purchase products or services through the links provided.

The various possible problem solving approaches that can be used within adult speech therapy would be discussed in detail, along with a brief into speech therapy and it’s need for adults. The blog will also list other approaches that can be used within the domain of speech therapy apart from problem solving. 

What Is Speech Therapy?

Understanding what people are saying and responding to them through effective communication channels is an essential part of being a human, it almost comes as second nature to individuals. Although such is not the case for individuals battling speech and communication disorders. For such people, speech therapy may prove to be an essential tool. 

Speech therapy is a psychological intervention that seeks to improve an individual’s ability to understand and produce language. It can help in better comprehension and expression of both verbal and non-verbal language. Speech therapy can also be called speech language therapy, and it helps build communication skills in people. This kind of therapy provides successful support and treatment to individuals with speech problems and communication disorders. 

Do Adults Need Speech Therapy?

Adults may seek out speech therapists for a variety of reasons, ranging from regaining communications skills and confidence after trauma or injury or to simply improve on public speaking skills. 

What Happens in Adult Speech Therapy?

What is problem solving in speech therapy.

The problem solving process starts with defining a problem. This step usually involves the diagnosis of a situation to collect facts and information for later processing.  While a person is attempting to define a problem, they take in information from various sources and try to establish a cause-and-effect relationship between various factors involved in the situation. After a problem situation is successfully conceptualised, people try to look for alternatives solutions that may bring about a resolution. As various solutions are found and evaluated for usefulness, the final stage of problem solving is reached, which is implementation of the shortlisted solution. After scouring through dozens of possible solutions to a particular problem, an individual narrows down on the most feasible option and seeks to implement it as a final solution to the situation. 

Adopting a problem solving approach with respect to communication disorders can help adults in adapting to undesirable situations that arise throughout their days. It can even help them gain a better understanding of their speech problems and come to terms with it. Once people are able to comprehend their issues, they will be better equipped to deal with the problems and take steps to improve their situation as suggested by their speech therapists. Problem solving exercises within speech therapy also help in building a person’s confidence and their capabilities for social interaction; which in turn would have benefits for their personal and professional relationships. 

Problem Solving Activities In Adult Speech Therapy

How can problem solving in speech therapy help adults , is speech therapy the only option for people with speech disturbances.

In this blog we discussed the applications of problem solving exercises within the domain of speech therapy – what exactly is speech therapy, what is meant by problem solving and problem solving exercises, what these exercises entail and how exactly they help in speech therapy. Other applications and the most commonly used problem solving exercises were described in detail, along with alternatives to replace them in special cases. The process and scope of speech therapy was also explored to understand how the process unfolds and helps treat speech disturbances. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Problem Solving Questions for Adults Speech Therapy

What exactly is speech therapy, how do you know if a person needs speech therapy, what do speech therapists do, how does speech therapy last for adults, references:, was this helpful, find hope and healing through online counseling on betterhelp.

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Goal Bank Speech Therapy for SNF

Goal Bank for speech therapists working in a skilled nursing facility. Goals for Cognition, Memory, Attention, Problem Solving, Aphasia, Dysarthria, Voice, Swallowing, Tracheostomy, and Skilled Maintenance. For an all in one download please see end of document.

ST Goal Bank

Cuing Hierarchy

Independent

Setup/cleanup assistance

Supervision or touching assistance

Partial/mod assist

Substantial/maximal assistance

• Pt will complete further cognitive assessment (SLUMS/RIPA/ALFA/ACA) in order to assess cognitive communication skills by (DATE).
• Pt will be able to verbally express compensatory strategies to improve cognition in order to return to PLOF.

Long-Term Goal

• Pt will increase memory abilities to (independence/setup/supervision/mod assist/max assist/dependent) demonstrating improved (orientation, basic functional recall of everyday activities, biographical information, safety precautions) in order to (return to PLOF/increase independent on nursing unit).
• Pt will increase memory to (independence/setup/supervision/mod assist/max assist/dependent) demonstrating independence with (functional memory tasks, use of compensatory strategies and precautions, recall of medication schedule) in order to (return to PLOF/increase independence on nursing unit).

Short-Term Goal

• Pt will complete further memory assessment with (SLUMS/RIPA) in order to determine current cognitive level and goal set appropriately.
• Pt will utilize memory book with ___% accuracy with (independence/setup/supervision/mod assist/max assist) in order to assist with everyday functional recall.
• Pt will utilize external/internal memory strategies to solve functional (immediate/short-term/working) memory tasks at (independence/setup/supervision/mod assist/max assist) with ___% accuracy to return to PLOF.
• Pt will complete (alternating/sustained/selective) attention activities with (independence/setup/supervision/mod assist/max assist/dependent) in order to increase independence with functional activities.
• Pt will complete alternating attention tasks with ___% accuracy given (independence/setup/supervision/mod assist/max assist/dependent) cues to attend in a noisy environment in order to increase independence during functional tasks.
• Pt will sustain attention to (visual information/auditory information/activity) for ___ minutes in a quiet environment given (independence/setup/supervision/mod assist/max assist/dependent) to increase independence during functional tasks.
• Pt will selectively attend to (visual/auditory information/activity) for __ minutes given (independence/setup/supervision/mod assist/max assist/dependent) to attend to functional activities.

PROBLEM SOLVING

• Pt will demonstrate problem solving skills with (independence/setup/supervision/mod assist/max assist/dependent) or higher, demonstrating improved (insight, safety, executive functioning, reasoning, functional problem solving) in order to return to (IADL’s, increase independence on nursing unit).
• Pt will demonstrate problem solving skills with (independence/setup/supervision/mod assist/max assist/dependent) or higher, demonstrating improve problem solving required for independence with basic ADL’s and safety.
• Pt will complete ALFA assessment in order to determine patients’ problem-solving functioning to goal set appropriately.
• Pt will complete basic problem-solving tasks related to safety (use of call light/walker/O2 precautions) at __% accuracy with (independence/setup/supervision/mod assist/max assist/dependent) cues in order to (return to PLOF/increase independence on nursing unit).
• Pt will sequence functional activities with ___% with (independence/setup/supervision/mod assist/max assist/dependent) in order to (return to PLOF/increase independence on nursing unit).
• Pt will complete higher-level problem-solving tasks r/t IADL’s at ___% accuracy given (independence/setup/supervision/mod assist/max assist/dependent) cues in order to (return to PLOF).

SOCIAL INTERACTION

• Pt will increase social interaction to (independence/setup/supervision/mod assist/max assist/dependent) demonstrating increased ability to (manage emotions, cope, engage in social communication, maintain topic, use appropriate pragmatics, turn-take).
• Pt will increase social interaction to (independence/setup/supervision/mod assist/max assist/dependent) or higher demonstrating improved (behavior, pragmatics, eye contact, emotional regulation, coping with anxiety/depression.
• Caregivers/Staff will be able to teach back pt behavioral plan to manage (agitation/restlessness/anxiety/depression) in order to improve quality of care.
• Pt will demonstrate techniques of emotional regulation to manage negative ideation and behavior (deep breathing, positive thinking, mindfulness) with (independence/setup/supervision/mod assist/max assist/dependent in order to benefit quality of life.
• Pt will communicate in social interactions given (independence/setup/supervision/mod assist/max assist/dependent) for (turn taking, eye contact, pragmatics, appropriateness) in order to increase appropriate social interactions with staff/residents/family.

APHASIA RECEPTIVE

• Pt will demonstrate (verbal/written) expression skills with (independence/setup/supervision/mod assist/max assist/dependent) concerning improved (motor speech, word finding, fluency, voice, initiation, pragmatics) in order to express (simple wants/needs/higher level/complex ideas).
• Pt will answer simple biographical yes/no questions presented (verbally/visually) with ___% accuracy with (independence/setup/supervision/mod assist/max assist/dependent) cues in order to increase ability to communicate simple biographical information.
• Pt will follow (simple/complex 1-step commands/2-step commands) with ___% accuracy given (independence/setup/supervision/mod assist/max assist/dependent) cues in order to increase ability to complete functional tasks.
• Pt will identify the correct picture in a field of (2/4/6) when presented with the word (verbally/visually) at ___% accuracy given (independence/setup/supervision/mod assist/max assist/dependent) cues in order to increase ability to recognize functional language.
• Pt will read (sentences/paragraphs) and answer comprehension questions with ___% accuracy given (independence/setup/supervision/mod assist/max assist/dependent) cues in order to improve functional communication.

APHASIA EXPRESSIVE

Long-Term Goals

• Pt will be able to communicate using (simple/complex) (words/phrases/sentences) with ( independence/setup/supervision/mod assist/max assist/dependent) in order to increase ability to express (simple/complex) (wants/needs/ideas/feelings).

Short-Term Goals

• Pt will name common objects at __% accuracy with (independence/mod assist/max assist) given (phonemic/orthographic/semantic) cues in order to increase ability to express wants/needs.
• Pt will generate sentences with 3 or more words in response to a situation with __% accuracy with (independence/mod assist/max assist) given (phonemic/orthographic/semantic) in order to increase ability to communicate basic wants and needs.
• Pt will participate in (simple/complex) conversation with ___% accuracy with situation with __% accuracy with (independence/mod assist/max assist) given (phonemic/orthographic/semantic) in order to increase ability to communicate complex thoughts, feelings, and needs.
• Pt will produce (vowels/phrases/paragraphs/conversation) with appropriate intelligibility given (independence/setup/supervision/mod assist/max assist/dependent) cues in order to increase ability to express wants and needs.
• Pt will produce (vowels/phrases/paragraphs) with appropriate voicing in ___% of opportunities given ( independence/setup/supervision/mod assist/max assist/dependent) cues in order to increase ability to express wants and needs.
• Pt will produce phrases with (5 or fewer words/7 or more) in one breath in __% of opportunities with (independence/setup/supervision/mod assist/max assist/dependent) cues in order to increase ability to express wants/needs.
• Pt will produce phrases with appropriate stress in __% of opportunities given ( independence/setup/supervision/mod assist/max assist/dependent) cues in order to increase ability to express wants/needs.
• Pt will produce (words/phrases) with appropriate voicing with (independence/setup/supervision/mod assist/max assist/dependent) in order to express wants/needs.
• Pt will produce (easy onset/non-nasal/tense vowels/minimal pairs) words with appropriate voicing in ___% of opportunities with ( independence/setup/supervision/mod assist/max assist/dependent) cues in order to increase ability to express wants/needs.
• Pt will produce (words/phrases) at (70dB/80dB) vocal loudness with ( independence/setup/supervision/mod assist/max assist/dependent) cues in order to increase ability to express wants/needs.
• Pt will improve MPT to __ml with (independence/setup/supervision/mod assist/max assist/dependent)  to demonstrate increased breath support req for voicing.

COMPREHENSION

• Pt will d/c with ( independence/setup/supervision/mod assist/max assist/dependent) in order to increase comprehension (reading/expression) of (simple/complex) ideas and instruction.
• Pt will d/c with ( independence/setup/supervision/mod assist/max assist/dependent) (reading/expression) in order to increase comprehension of functional information.
• Pt will follow (1/2/3) step directions at ( independence/setup/supervision/mod assist/max assist/dependent) level with ___% accuracy in order to complete functional activities.
• Pt will respond to (simple/complex) questions at ( independence/setup/supervision/mod assist/max assist/dependent) level with __% accuracy in order to increase ability to participate in functional communication.
• Pt will respond to (simple/complex) questions at independent level with __% accuracy demonstrating improved auditory processing/comprehension
• Pt will answer paired Y/N questions at with __% accuracy at ( independence/setup/supervision/mod assist/max assist/dependent) in order to increase ability to participate in functional communication.
• Pt will identify (object/pic/word) in a field of (2/4/6) with ___% accuracy with (independence/setup/supervision/mod assist/max assist/dependent) in order to participate in functional activities.

Pt will be able to use (low tech/high tech) AAC device with (independence/setup/supervision/mod assist/max assist/dependent) cues in order to communicate basic wants/needs.

Pt will (type/identify) single (words/icons) with ___% accuracy given ( independence/setup/supervision/mod assist/max assist/dependent) cues in order to communicate basic wants/needs.

Pt will answer simple biographical questions at __% accuracy given (independence/setup/supervision/mod assist/max assist/dependent) cues in order to increase functional communication.

Pt will be able to navigate device with ___% accuracy given ( independence/setup/supervision/mod assist/max assist/dependent) cues in order to increase independence with device.

Pt will be able to add new (icons/vocabulary) to AAC device with ___% accuracy with (independence/setup/supervision/mod assist/max assist/dependent) cues in order to increase functional communication.

• Pt will d/c on IDDSI diet of (Regular-7/Easy to Chew-7b/Soft and Bite Size-6/Minced and Moist-5/Puree-4) (Thin/Nectar Thick) liquids) with (independence/setup/supervision/mod assist/max assist/dependent) use of swallow strategies in order to improve (oral/pharyngeal) swallowing safety and improve (nutrition/hydration)
• Pt will d/c on PO diet maintaining nutritional needs PO requiring no alternative means of nutrition (IV/PEG/NG).
• Pt/caregiver will demonstrate/verbalize understanding of diet recommendations, swallowing strategies, swallowing exercises for (home/facility) maintenance program.
• Pt will complete instrumental swallow evaluation to assess swallow function and determine appropriate diet level.
• Pt/caregiver will demonstrate understanding of oral care and be able to follow oral care program with (independence/setup/supervision/mod assist/max assist/dependent) in order to benefit oral health.
• Pt will decrease (oral pocketing/anterior labial spillage) with ___% accuracy with (independence/setup/supervision/mod assist/max assist/dependent) to reduce risk of aspiration.
• Pt will manage trials of (Regular-7/Easy to Chew-7b/Soft and Bite Size-6/Minced and Moist-5/Puree-4) following swallowing strategies with ___% accuracy with (independence/setup/supervision/mod assist/max assist/dependent) in order to decrease s/s of aspiration.
• Pt will complete (pharyngeal/oral motor exercises) with (independence/setup/supervision/mod assist/max assist/dependent) in order to increase swallow function.

TRACH/DECANNULATION

Secretion Management/Suctioning Goal

• Pt will independently manage secretions as demonstrated by requiring no suction (deep or oral suction) over __hr period.
• Pt will utilize quad cough at spv level to clear deep secretions and req no deep suction over __hr period.
• Pt with demonstrate ability to clear pharyngeal secretions without need for deep suction over __period.
• Pt will independently utilize yanker to clear oral secretions
• Pt will decrease anterior spillage of saliva req __ cueing to clear secretions
•  Pt will increase awareness of drooling req __ cues in __ min/sessions to wipe/mng secretions
• Pt will improve labial seal in order to decrease anterior spillage of secretions by meeting IOPI peak of __ kPa when measuring lip strength
• Pt will improve lingual strength req to mng secretions as demonstrated by IOPI peak of __kPa when measuring base of tongue strength.

DECANNULATION

• Pt will meet decannulation goals in order to increase independence to return to PLOF.
• Pt will tolerate uncuffed trach for __ hrs/days in order to demonstrate readiness for passy muir speaking valve
• Pt will down size to _ size trach in order to tolerate PMSV/demonstrate readiness for capping trials
• Pt will tolerate PMSV for __hrs in order to increase independence with verbal communication
• Pt will tolerate PMSV for __hrs in order to demonstrate readiness for capping trials and decannulation
• Pt will tolerate capping trials for __min/hrs in order to work towards decannulation
• Pt will be decannulated in order to improve swallow function/in order to improve verbal communication
• Pt and family will demonstrate understanding of trach related goals
• Pt/family will demonstrate understanding of trach/pmsv care (placement/clearing)
• Pt will meet incentive spirometer peak of __ ml to demonstrate improved breath support req for decannulation
• Pt will meet __ syllables per breath over 3 trials demonstrating improved breath support req for decannulation
• Pt will meet MPT of ___ sec over 3 trials to demonstrate breath support req for decannulation
• Pt will digitally occlude (stoma/trach) to improve breath support req for intelligible speech at __ level.

SKILLED MAINTENANCE

• Pt will maintain cog/communication skills at level of (independence/setup/supervision/mod assist/max assist/dependent) with implementation of __% verbal cues and environmental modifications to decrease risk of cognitive decline.
• Pt will maintain comprehension skills at (independence/setup/supervision/mod assist/max assist/dependent) with implementation of min cues during discussion of familiar topics to decrease risk of social isolation and to facilitate communication opportunities.
• Pt will maintain current diet with pleasure feedings with SLP in order to benefit quality of life.
• Pt will maintain safe swallow function while consuming (thin liquids/texture) by (spoon/cup/straw) with SLP only for pleasure feedings.
• Pt will continue to engage in 3-minute social interactions with staff during daily care in order to maintain communication skills.
• Pt will maintain short-term memory skills using a memory book and verbal cues from staff in 80% of opportunities.
• Pt will maintain ability to recall self-relevant pieces of information at __% accuracy with verbal/visual cues to maintain ability to recall events and leisure activities scheduled.
• Pt will maintain current reasoning skills at ___% accuracy and occasional (min/mod) cues to prevent cognitive decline and to maintain independence within this environment.
• Pt will maintain thought organizational skills at __% accuracy and occasional cues with task modifications as needed to prevent cognitive decline within this environment.
• Pt will maintain ability to respond to yes/no questions at __% accuracy with implementation of verbal cues to increase ability to engage in meaningful interactions.
•  Pt will demonstrate ability to use verbal and non-verbal communication to make decisions related to preferences during care tasks and daily routine with (independence/setup/supervision/mod assist/max assist/dependent) to facilitate highest level of independence in current environment.
• Pt will maintain ability to complete 3 conversational exchanges related to direct and observable topics using multisensory stimuli in order to reduce risk of social isolation.
• Pt will maintain current level of cognitive-communication to actively participate (following along with handout, switching between tasks, singing along, etc) in weekly activity with (independence/setup/supervision/mod assist/max assist/dependent) in order to maintain quality of life and highest level of independence with leisure activities of choice.

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Free your time. Fresh, ready activities.

Speech therapy activities designed for therapists and kids to love.

Engaging Resources

Engaged therapy sessions, here you come! Speech & language activities that are guaranteed to catch the attention of any child. Perfect for digital learning and in-person fun.

BUNDLE Executive Function

✨ As seen on Boom Cards Featured Bundles!

This BUNDLE of executive function cards includes problem solving stories, social stories, predicting stories, sequencing stories, and flexible thinking stories.

Multiple types of wh- questions, why and how questions, labeling exercises, multiple choice, and drag and drop categorizations   are included throughout this bundle to encourage an in depth understanding of each executive functioning skill.

⭐️ 80 Problem Solving

• Multiple choice question
• 2 labeling exercises

⭐️   52 Social Stories

• Topics of social skills to choose from (feelings, manners, listening, sharing & turns, making friends, being kind)
• Sorting exercise
• 2 wh- questions

⭐️   50 Predicting (✨ as seen on Top Premium Boom Cards ✨)

• What questions
• How questions

⭐️   50 Sequencing

• 3 different what questions per story

⭐️   40 Flexible Thinking (✨ as seen on Top Premium Boom Cards ✨)

• Why questions
• Labeling exercise

Each deck includes a teaching slide and visual to help your students better understand executive function skills before practicing! 

CLICK HERE for Boom Cards Preview.

To use Boom Cards, you must be connected to the Internet. Boom Cards play on modern browsers (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Edge). Apps are available for modern Android, iPads, iPhones, and Kindle Fires. For security and privacy, adults must have a Boom Learning account to use and assign Boom Cards. You will be able to assign the Boom Cards you are buying with "Fast Pins," (a form of play that gives instant feedback to students for self-grading Boom Cards). For assignment options that report student progress back to you, you will need to purchase a premium account.If you are new to Boom Learning, you will be offered a free trial of our premium account.Read here for details: http://bit.ly/BoomTrial .

Wh- Questions & Short Stories

15 short stories to target wh- questions, auditory comprehension, reading comprehension, recall, and more!

Multiple levels of difficulty, including both shorter and longer paragraphs for a variety of length and detail in the stories.

⭐ Wh- Questions in Short Stories

• 15 Paragraph Short Stories
• 6 Wh- Questions for every story
• Stories are 4-9 sentences in length
• What, where, who, when, why, and how questions for every story

*This product contains the same activities as the Boom Cards version. If you would like the Boom Cards version, view   Wh- Questions & Short Stories, Auditory Comprehension, Boom Cards.

Compare and Contrast

Compare and contrast a variety of topics with 5 different activities and over 400 prompts! Improve understanding and use of similarities and differences using this comprehensive activity. 

This resource includes   5 different ways to practice comparing and contrasting , including stories, Venn diagrams, wh questions, short answers, pictures, graphs, and more. Real photos are included in this resource.

⭐️ Compare and Contrast:

• 5 stories with Venn diagrams
• 10 picture pairs with wh questions and Venn diagrams
• 10 picture pairs with wh questions and short answer questions
• 10 word pairs with wh questions and short answers
• 10 word pairs with graphs and word banks
• 2 blank templates

⭐️   Targeted Skills:

• Improve use of compare and contrast
• Increase comprehension of similarities and differences
• Expand skills for answering questions

Topics & Questions

80 unique topics with 4 wh- questions and a story prompt to improve expressive and receptive language skills, with REAL pictures. Questions and story prompts improve story telling and sentence generation skills. What, where, who, when, why, and how questions are included, with 4 different questions for each picture.

✨ As featured on Boom Cards Top Premium Decks ✨

⭐ 80 Topics & Categories

• 5 activities for each topic
• Real picture for every topic
• 4 wh-/how questions for every topic
• 1 story prompt for every topic
• What, where, who, when, why, and how questions included

⭐  Targeted Skills

• Improve receptive & expressive language
• Enhance skills for   answering questions
• Boost   story telling skills
• Develop   noun labeling and describing

Practice describing topics and categories, by answering questions and discussing a story prompt for each topic!

To use Boom Cards, you   must   be connected to the Internet. Boom Cards play on modern browsers (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Edge). Apps are available for modern Android, iPads, iPhones, and Kindle Fires. For security and privacy, adults must have a Boom Learning account to use and assign Boom Cards. You will be able to assign the Boom Cards you are buying with "Fast Pins," (a form of play that gives instant feedback to students for self-grading Boom Cards). For assignment options that report student progress back to you, you will need to purchase a premium account.   If you are new to Boom Learning, you will be offered a free trial of our premium account.   Read here for details:   http://bit.ly/BoomTrial .

Conversation Starters

Conversation starters to improve commenting, asking questions, and answering questions during conversations. Conversation prompts has variety of ways to practice conversations, including questions, open response, fill in the blank, and more.

This resource includes   multiple ways to practice conversations , including pictures, comments, questions, asking questions, and more.

⭐️   All About Me Conversation Starters:

• 2 what questions
• 1 how question
• Open response opportunity

⭐️   Conversation Topics:

• 20 unique topics
• 3 open response opportunities to practice
• Practice asking questions and making comments

⭐️   Conversation Photos:

• 20 unique photo prompts
• 2 open response opportunities to practice

⭐️   Boom Cards include:

• 20 conversation topics
• 20 conversation starters with real photos
• Open response opportunities to practice

⭐️   Targeted skills:

• Improve conversation abilities
• Increase ability to ask and answer questions in conversations
• Expand commenting skills during conversations

NOTE: This resource includes 1 printable PDF with a Boom Cards companion. The Boom Cards contains part of the PDF resource, but does not include the "All About Me" conversation starters. Boom Cards are digital resources. PDF pages can be used digitally with PDF applications or can be printed for in person use.

To use boom cards, you must be connected to the internet. boom cards play on modern browsers (chrome, safari, firefox, and edge). apps are available for modern android, ipads, iphones, and kindle fires. for security and privacy, adults must have a boom learning account to use and assign boom cards. you will be able to assign the boom cards you are buying with "fast pins," (a form of play that gives instant feedback to students for self-grading boom cards). for assignment options that report student progress back to you, you will need to purchase a premium account. if you are new to boom learning, you will be offered a free trial of our premium account. read here for details: http://bit.ly/boomtrial ..

Problems & Solutions with Problem Size

Problem solving stories, problem size, solutions, common problems   and more are included in this set.   There are 80 unique problem solving and solution scenarios   for critical thinking. Open response questions and multiple choice questions are included in every story! You will receive problem size and common problem teaching pages, as well as multiple examples.

⭐️   80 Problem Solving Stories

• 80 unique problem scenarios
• Multiple choice question for every story
• 2 open response exercises for every story

⭐️   Problem Size Slides & Questions

• 5 in-depth teaching pages
• Problem size (small, medium, big) definitions
• Emotions related to problem sizes
• Color coordinated problem size visual
• 2 small problem exercises
• 2 medium problem exercises
• 2 big problem exercises

⭐️   Common Problems & Questions

• Teaching slide with definitions & examples
• 6 scenarios of common problems
• 2 free response problem & solution questions per scenario 

With 80 unique stories, 12 common problem scenarios, 6 problem size questions and multiple teaching pages, you will be able to use this resource for   many   teaching sessions. You won't need anything else!

Story Builders & Create A Story

Improve creative writing with these narrative and short story prompts! This set of   70 short story builders   comes with character, location, event and time learning targets.

Help your students improve their stories and increase their creative narrative skills. There is space for students to type or write their stories, as well as an organizing task for story parts. 

Your students will have all the tools they need to create unique and imaginative stories!

⭐️ Includes:

• 70 story builders
• 3 practice levels
• A combination of who (character), where (location), what (event) and when (time) story part targets
• 36 story builders that include 2 story parts
• 20 story builders that include 3 story parts
• 14 story builders that include 4 story parts
• Story parts organizing task with pictures
• Space for creative writing and narrative generation
• Instructions on each page 

⭐️ Teaching slides:

• In depth information about the 4 included story parts
• Descriptions
• Picture matching activities 

Save your time and energy, this set is NO PREP! Includes everything you need to elicit creative, engaging stories from your students.

Perfect for SLPs, teachers, or parents looking to expand language or writing in a fun and creative way!

Social Skills & Pragmatics

Social skills and pragmatic language set to improve executive functioning skills.   52 unique stories with sorting and wh- questions!

Social skills topic can be organized by category or practiced in random order, depending on your goals! Your students will sort each card into "appropriate" or "inappropriate" categories. They also will have an opportunity to explain how to improve social skills. Keep students engaged with interactive drag and drop!

⭐️   52 Social Skills short stories

• 2 scenarios per slide
• Drag and drop sorting for "appropriate" or "inappropriate" behavior
• What question to target improving behaviors
• Why question to target critical thinking

⭐️   Skills are able to be sorted by topic:

• Sharing & Turns
• Making Friends

BUNDLE for Executive Function Skills also available in Shine Speech Activities shop , which includes problem solving, predicting, flexible thinking, social skills, and sequencing/planning, too!

Use this deck to help teach and practice pragmatic skills - you won't need anything else!

Sentence Comprehension & Language Comprehension

Improve sentence comprehension, language and reading comprehension, and picture comprehension with 4 activities and over 125 prompts for speech therapy or classrooms! Target comprehending, receptive language, and more.

This resource includes   4 different ways to practice sentence comprehension , including wh questions, pictures, fill in the blanks, and more. Real photos are included in this resource.

⭐️ Sentence Comprehension:

• 40 sentence comprehension task cards with 3 questions each
• 30 real photo sentence comprehension prompts
• 30 multiple choice reading comprehension activities
• 30 fill in the blank language comprehension prompts
• Improve sentence comprehension skills
• Increase receptive and expressive language abilities
• Expand skills for understanding sentences and pictures

Categories with divergent naming, convergent naming, group, similarities, differences, and more! Words, cartoons, and real pictures included for a variety of ways to practice.

This resource includes   6 different ways to practice categories , including describing, naming, grouping, similarities, differences, and topics. Category cards include words, cartoon pictures to color, and real photos!

⭐️ Categories:

• 40 Describe the category
• 40 Name the category
• 40 Categories Grouping
• 24 Categories similarities
• 24 Categories differences
• 6 Categories Topics
• 10 Describe the category
• 15 Name the category
• 15 Categories Grouping
• 15 Categories similarities
• 15 Categories differences
• 5 Categories Topics
• Improve understanding categories
• Expand ability to describe categories
• Practice language with categories 

NOTE: This resource includes 1 printable PDF with a Boom Cards companion. The Boom Cards contains part of the PDF resource. Boom Cards are digital resources. PDF pages can be used digitally with PDF applications or can be printed for in person use.

Picture & Word Describing Webs

This set of 70 picture description webs targets describing pictures and words by color, shape, size, location, material, function, category and more. Includes 8 wh- questions for each word!

Teaching slides are also included to teach your students how to describe pictures.

⭐️ Picture Description Webs:

• 8 fill in the blank questions to target descriptions
• Color description targets
• Size description targets
• Shape description targets
• Location description targets
• Material description targets
• Function description targets
• Category description targets
• Who (who uses it?) description targets
• Color coded targets to improve memory of ways to describe

⭐️ Teaching Slides:

• Question example for each description target
• Concrete examples of each description type 

⭐️ Bonus Pages on PDF:

• Colored blank picture web template with 8 questions
• Black and white picture web template with 8 questions

BONUS! A blank PDF template for a color web and a black and white web are also included.   Your students have the opportunity to draw their own unique pictures and create webs.

70 trials, plus blank webs, allows for unlimited practice of picture and word describing. 

Help your students learn how to describe with this activity! PDF and Boom Cards versions are included.

Predicting in Short Stories

This activity includes   50 predicting stories . Unique and original scenarios for predicting practice!

✨ As seen on Boom Cards Top Premium Decks ✨

Each scenario   includes a "what" question and a "how" question   for further discussion and analysis for your students.

50 stories means you won't need any other activity for predicting! Use these randomized trials track data over multiple sessions.

⭐️   50 Predicting story slides

• Unique predicting scenarios
• What question for predicting
• How question for analyzing prediction

BUNDLE Figurative Language

This BUNDLE of figurative language cards includes idioms, metaphors, hyperboles, personification and similes. Over 255 practice targets with figurative language!

The set targets multiple skills so your students will have an in depth understanding of each type of figurative language! This set is a truly comprehensive approach to understanding and using figurative language.

⭐️ 60 Idioms

• Yes/no questions for every trial
• What questions for every trial
• Free response (students have an opportunity to create their own idioms) for every trial

⭐️ 40 Metaphors

• Free response (students have an opportunity to create their own metaphors) for every trial

⭐️ 40 Similes

• Free response (students have an opportunity to create their own similes) for every trial

⭐️ 45 Hyperboles

• Free response (students have an opportunity to create their own hyperboles) for every trial

⭐️ 40 Personification

• Free response to give students opportunity to create short stories with personification

⭐️ 35 Allusions

• 2 what questions for every trial
• Free response to encourage building allusions in sentences
• Allusions to Historical figures, literature, famous fictional characters, locations/landmarks, Greek mythology, movies and more

⭐️ Each deck includes a teaching slide

• Definitions
• Help your students understand and identify figurative language before practicing

Preview Boom Cards HERE.

Prepositions & Spatial Concepts

This set of   prepositions targets spatial and location concepts with 60 trials ! Teach your students prepositions and location with this robust, comprehensive deck.

You can pick which preposition to target, or practice with randomized slides. The teaching module will   teach your students everything they need to know about each preposition   before practicing! 

⭐️   Prepositions include:

⭐️   learning module includes:.

Use the practice slides to practice prepositions with multiple choice. Navigate between the learning module and practice cards using the buttons at the bottom of each slide.

CLICK HERE for Boom Card Preview.

To use Boom Cards, you  must  be connected to the Internet. Boom Cards play on modern browsers (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Edge). Apps are available for modern Android, iPads, iPhones, and Kindle Fires. For security and privacy, adults must have a Boom Learning account to use and assign Boom Cards. You will be able to assign the Boom Cards you are buying with "Fast Pins," (a form of play that gives instant feedback to students for self-grading Boom Cards). For assignment options that report student progress back to you, you will need to purchase a premium account. If you are new to Boom Learning, you will be offered a free trial of our premium account. Read here for details: http://bit.ly/BoomTrial .

Main Idea & Supporting Details

Main idea and supporting details with 5 different ways to practice and 50 unique prompts! Improve reading comprehension and writing skills using this main ideas and detail resource.

This product contains a PDF version and a Boom Cards companion.

This resource includes   5 different ways to practice main idea and supporting details , including stories with questions, main ideas vs. details, create-a-story, grouping, and pictures with questions. Real photos are also included in this resource.

⭐️ Main Idea & Details:

• 10 Stories & Questions
• 10 Main Ideas vs. Details
• 10 Create-A-Story
• 10 Grouping
• 10 Pictures & Questions
• Improve understanding main ideas and details
• Increase reading comprehension abilities
• Expand skills for creating stories

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Inferencing & Context Clues

70 inferencing and context clues trials to improve critical thinking skills! Each trial comes with 4 unique clues to help your students make an inference. They can then provide their answer, and drag the cover away to see the correct answer and a picture.

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10 Problem Solving IEP Goals for Real Life

Written by:

  Rebekah Pierce

Filed under: IEPs , Executive Functioning , Problem Solving

Published:  April 2, 2022

Last Reviewed: April 11, 2024

READING TIME:  ~ minutes

This article is designed to be utilized with the utmost professional integrity and ethical consideration. It is imperative to acknowledge that directly copying and pasting example goals into student’s IEPs from any external source, including ours, undermines the individualized nature of IEP planning and does not serve the best interests of students.

This resource aims to inspire the development of IEP goals that address executive functioning needs, not a substitute for the detailed, student-centered IEP goal setting process. Educators and IEP teams are urged to use this as a tool for ideation, basing final goals on student assessments and collaborative IEP team insights.

We all have problems – but when it comes to solving problems, how good is your child at solving them?

For many parents and teachers who work with children with executive functioning issues, it quickly becomes clear that problem-solving is essential for succeeding in school and the workplace.

Problem-solving not only requires being able to identify when a problem exists, but also being able to come up with reasonable solutions to fix them.

If you’re planning on writing IEP goals that address problem-solving skills, this post should serve as a helpful starting place.

What is Problem Solving?

Problem-solving is simply our ability to identify and describe a problem and then come up with solutions to resolve it.

What exactly defines “a problem”?” It’s any time you want something and there is something that stands in the way, in essence. When you have good problem-solving skills, you are able to evaluate this problem and figure out possible steps forward.

As is the case with all other executive functioning skills, including task initiation and organization, a child’s ability to problem solve relates closely to other executive functioning skills.

Ask yourself the following questions to figure out whether problem-solving is an area that needs some work in your child:

• Can he or she complete games and puzzles to accomplish a goal?
• Is he or she able to identify all parts of a problem, including where it originated and why?
• Can your child break apart a larger problem into smaller parts? Can the student identify problems in many different contexts, like work versus school versus social contexts?
• Will your child seek guidance from others when looking for help in solving a problem?
• Does the child persist in coming up with new strategies when the original ones are not successful?

Being a good problem solver doesn’t just come down to being able to “figure things out” in real life. A child who struggles with problem-solving skills may also develop problem behaviors. They might talk back, demonstrate aggression, or engage in other self-destructive behaviors when frustrated with a challenging task.

Therefore, coming up with IEP goals that address this “problem” of not being able to solve problems head-on is essential.

Sample IEP Goals for Problem Solving

Here are a few sample IEP goals for problem-solving to give you some inspiration.

Adaptive Goals

• By the end of the school year, when given a written scenario in which a problem needs to be solved, the student will provide two appropriate solutions with 80% accuracy in 4 out of 5 opportunities, according to teacher observation.
• By the end of the school year, the student will practice problem-solving techniques when dealing with personal or school experiences 100% of the time, according to teacher observation.

Social Goals

• By the end of the IEP term, when given pre-taught behavioral strategies to decrease or avoid escalating behaviors, the students will complete at least one activity with positive behavioral results, according to teacher observation.
• By the end of the school year, the student will solve problems by apologizing in conflict situations 90% of the time, based on teacher observation.

Reading Goals

• By the end of the IEP term, when presented with text at his instructional level, the student will use context clues to determine the meaning of unknown words with 80% accuracy, as measured by written work samples.
• By the end of the school year, the students will read a short story and answer who, what, where, why, and how questions with 90% accuracy in four out of five recorded opportunities, based on teacher observation.
• By the end of the IEP term, when given a word problem, the student will independently determine which operation is to be used with 100% accuracy on 4 out of 5 trials, measured quarterly by teacher observation.
• By the end of the school year, the student will independently solve two-step word problems (mixed addition and subtraction) with 100% accuracy on 4 out of 5 trials based on teacher observation.

Writing Goals

• By the end of the school year, when given a writing assignment, the student will independently create a keyword outline that includes the main topic and three supporting points as a basis for the essay, based on a rubric, 90% of the time.
• By the end of the IEP term, the student will create five-paragraph essays with proper essay structure that clearly address a question in an assignment, based on a rubric, 100% of the time.

Tips on Setting Goals for Problem Solving

Here are a few tips to help you come up with effective goals that work toward better problem-solving skills.

Do a Behavioral Observation

Behavioral observations can be useful for identifying all kinds of skills deficits, but particularly in the area of problem-solving. Take the time to sit down and observe the child at work.

What do they do when they encounter a problem? What are their strengths and weaknesses? What are they able to solve independently – and in what areas do they consistently require support?

A skills assessment can also be helpful. The Real Life Executive Functioning Skills Assessment is a great place to start, since it will help you see where your child is struggling in particular.

Get the Whole Team Involved

Writing problem-solving goals should not be an independent process. It should involve all members of your child’s care team, including family members, coaches, teachers, and other professionals. You’ll need their input to see if the child is struggling with problem-solving across the board, or just in one or two isolated areas.

Play to Their Interests

Motivation plays a major role in teaching new executive functioning skills so do your best to make sure your student stays motivated! Incorporate their favorite activities into learning and have conversations about your child’s favorite movie character, sports figure, or other celebrities. What sorts of problems have they encountered? How did the person solve these problems successfully?

Try Role Playing

Give your child the opportunity to practice his new problem-solving skills in every walk of life. Using role-play cards that prompt your child to solve problems in certain situations (like when you have a large homework assignment due tomorrow or even something as simple as you don’t know what to eat) is highly effective. You can find templates and helpful examples for how to get started with these scenarios in the Real Life Executive Functioning Workbook (coupon code LSA20 for 20% off at checkout).

Try the IDEAL Method

The IDEAL Method is one strategy you can use to help your child become a better problem solver. This method can be used while you are working toward any of the sample goals listed above (or any that you come up with on your own). You can learn more about it here and in the Real Life Executive Functioning Workbook .

Know When to Ask For Help

None of us is an island. We all need help from time to time. Knowing when – and who – to ask for help is essential. Encourage your child to brainstorm a list of people who can help in a pinch and be sure to try the Phone a Friend exercise in the Real Life Executive Functioning Workbook.

How to Address Each Goal

When working on problem-solving skills, the most important thing to remember is that you need to be focused on other areas in which your child struggles, too.

Problem-solving is often viewed as a collection of executive functioning skills rather than one individual skill. To help your child become better at solving problems, he needs to develop other executive functioning skills as well.

Problem-solving requires the ability to evaluate and outline different strategies – aka, planning. They need to be able to take action – task initiation. They might also need to use attentional control, organization, and time management skills. A holistic approach to addressing these problem-solving goals is essential.

Our Executive Functioning Assessment is a great place to start. It will show you where your child is at and what they need in order to improve. This assessment isn’t just for teachers – it’s also a helpful resource for parents, administrators, and even the student himself or herself.

Problem Solved! Here’s How to Write the Best Problem-Solving IEP Goals

If you find the process of writing IEP goals for problem-solving to be…well, a major problem, then you need to consider these tips. If you aren’t sure where to start, get organized! Start by giving your student the Executive Functioning Assessment and use the Real Life Executive Functioning Workbook as a guide to help point you in the direction of what skills to target.

Start by writing down what you want them to be able to do. Be as specific as possible, and use terms that your student can understand.

Once you have a good list of goals, work on breaking them down into smaller steps that will help your student reach their ultimate goal.

Remember to make sure these steps are achievable, measurable, and time-based so you can track your student’s progress and give them the support they need along the way.

Problem solved!

Looking For More Executive Functioning IEP Goal Ideas?

Visit our EF IEP Goal Resource Hub or check out our other skill-specific IEP goal articles:

• 8 Impulse Control IEP Goals
• 8 Attentional Control IEP Goals
• 8 Self-Monitoring IEP Goals
• 10 Problem Solving IEP Goals
• 10 Working Memory IEP Goals
• 9 Emotional Control IEP Goals
• 7 Cognitive Flexibility IEP Goals
• 10 Organization IEP Goals
• 12 Task Initiation IEP Goals
• 10 Time Management IEP Goals
• 15 Planning IEP Goals

Further Reading

• Amy Sippl: Executive Functioning Skills 101: Problem-Solving
• Amy Sippl: Teaching the IDEAL Problem-Solving Method to Diverse Learners
• Amy Sippl: Problem-Solving: Long-Term Strategies & Supports For Diverse Learners

About The Author

Rebekah pierce.

Rebekah is a New York writer and teacher who specializes in writing in the education, gardening, health, and natural food niches. In addition to teaching and writing, she also owns a farm and is the author of the blog J&R Pierce Family Farm .

Related Posts

Neurodivergent toolbox: spaced repetition method, how to track the effectiveness of a new routine, every parent’s guide to decision fatigue (part 1), why executive functioning builds a foundation for daily living skills, the 12 time management skills to start teaching now, 10 time management iep goals for real life.

Life Skills Advocate is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Some of the links in this post may be Amazon.com affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase, Life Skills Advocate will earn a commission. However, we only promote products we actually use or those which have been vetted by the greater community of families and professionals who support individuals with diverse learning needs.

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Gse 2024 graduates leave campus to lead lives in service to learning.

From bouncing babies and cheerful children, to young adults and centenarians, the full breadth of human life was in attendance at Stanford Graduate School of Education’s (GSE) 2024 commencement ceremony on Sunday, June 16.

The air was electric as GSE students who’ve been on campus from one to five-plus years prepared to receive the fruits of their labor: a degree that will equip them to better education out in the world. Packing most of the seats, though, were the friends, family members, and loved ones that supported students along the way.

“I would like to remind everyone that graduate ceremonies are not really for the students,” said GSE Dean Dan Schwartz before asking graduates to face the audience as part of a longstanding tradition. 

“They are for the families and friends of the graduates who are proud of what they have done to help their graduates succeed.”

Virginia "Ginger" Hislop (center) holds her long-awaited master’s in education diploma surrounded by 16 family members, including grand- and great-grandchildren. (Photo: Charles Russo)

The arc of a life

Included among the throng of people cheering on their graduates was 16 family members belonging to one Virginia “Ginger” Hislop, a Stanford education student who left campus in 1941 just before turning in her master’s thesis due to her then-boyfriend, now late husband, George, getting summoned to serve in World War II.

“My job as a commencement speaker is to help everyone imagine the arc of life and its possibilities and accomplishments, from the past, to the present moment, and into the future,” Schwartz said in a moving address to students. 

“Often this involves a speech with soaring and evocative language to engender your imaginations. This year, I would like to do something different. I will show you the arc of life, and I will try not to cry.”

He went on to share Hislop’s many accomplishments since leaving Stanford 83 years ago, including heading school boards and advocating for students, exemplifying what it looks like to live a life in service of education. Schwartz then conferred Hislop’s long-awaited master of arts in education, just four days after her 105th birthday.

“To me, this degree is an appreciation of the many years I’ve put in working for the schools in the Yakima area and on state boards,” said Hislop, who was born in Palo Alto and resides in Yakima, Washington.

GSE faculty including Dean Dan Schwartz (second from left) and flag bearer Megan Selbach-Allen (far left) prepare to lead the procession at commencement. Upon graduation, Selbach-Allen will work as an education research scientist. (Photo: Charles Russo)

Principles of problem solving in education

Getting to commencement required no shortage of coursework for GSE’s class of 2024  — which this year included 130 master’s, 27 doctoral, 17 joint degree, and 28 undergraduate  honors and minors students — so it was only fitting that John Willinsky, Khosla Family Professor Emeritus, structured his speech as a last lecture of sorts. 

“It has always been the hope of those sitting on this stage [faculty] that our work will assist in all of the good that you are destined to do in education,” said Willinsky, who taught at Stanford for 15 years before retiring in July of 2022. 

His “lecture” had three simple principles for students to follow in order to solve problems in education: 

• Find what you can fix in a picture that’s wrong.
• Patiently support those who can help fix the picture.
• Be prepared to iterate and adjust your approach when you encounter unexpected consequences or challenges.

“I’m certain that you graduates – who have already done so much and who hold such promise – are going to improve a great many pictures,” Willinsky said.

For Megan Selbach-Allen PhD ’24, this year’s flag bearer at commencement, the educational picture she’s trying to fix involves the teaching and learning of math for undergraduate students. 

“It’s totally fine if someone doesn’t want to start studying a STEM [Science, Technology, Engineering, Math] subject, but if they do start wanting to pursue STEM, and decide against it because they have bad math instruction or classes, that’s a problem that I want to be a part of solving,” said Selbach-Allen, who was a Marine Corps officer prior to joining the GSE in 2018.

After graduation, Selbach-Allen will work as an education research scientist in Harvard University’s math department, where part of her work will be mentoring teaching fellows in education research.

“I’m excited to be a part of teaching the next generation of faculty in mathematics how to teach math based on education research,” she said.

Kemi Oyewole, PhD ’24, accepts her diploma from Dean Dan Schwartz after receiving the Walter J. Gores award for excellence in teaching earlier this month. (Photo: Charles Russo)

Pursuing excellence

Also among the 2024 graduates that received degrees on Sunday was Kemi Oyewole, PhD ’24, who was honored earlier this month with the Walter J. Gores Award , the university’s highest award for excellence in teaching.

“The Gores Award is a humbling recognition of the importance of the university as a place for personal, not only academic, development,” said Oyewole, whose research focuses on what instructional coaching teaches about the needs of contemporary K-12 school systems. 

“At its best, teaching asks us to combine our previous experiences with new learning to see the world more expansively,” she said. “I am committed to empowering students to examine who is harmed by unjust social policies and to critically imagine ways people can work together to address these harms.”

Following graduation, Oyewole plans on continuing her research as a provost's postdoctoral fellow at the University of Pennsylvania.

“Commencement was an overwhelming culmination of the love and learning that led me to this milestone,” she said. “My degree is an achievement shared with the family who prayed for me, friends who supported me, and educators whose experiences shaped my dissertation.”

Willinsky closed out his commencement speech by mirroring the way Schwartz opened it: asking students to recognize the community that led them to this auspicious chapter.

“The graduates have been a source of insight, inspiration, and understanding for all of us,” he said. 

“Members of the GSE community, by which I mean everyone assembled here, turn to your right and to your left, look forward and turn around, to say thank you to those all around you for helping bring us to this moment. All of us here are a part of it all.”

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