Future Problem Solving Glossary

Action Plan:
(Step 6)

Proposal for solving the Underlying Problem (UP).  The basis comes from the highest scoring solution from Step 5 but is now expanded to explain in detail the who, what, how, why, where, and when of the solution idea.  Will most often consist of three or more paragraphs, but may be presented in a unique format.  This is the culminating work of the Future Problem Solving booklet.

Applicability & Relevance:
(Steps 4 & 5)

Measures the merit or value of each criterion in relation to solution statements.

Booklet:

The set of sheets provided to the Future Problem Solving team on which to complete the FPS process.

Category:
(Steps 1 & 3)

A list of 18 different topics that are used to assist students to generate ideas from a variety of sources.

Challenge:
(Step 1)

A challenge is an issue, concern, or problem that needs attention or consideration, which relates to the Future Scene.

Charge:

Directive, found in Future Scene, that indicates to students the goal of the Future Scene.

Community Problem Solving:
(CmPS)

CmPS focuses on real community problems.  Teams explore local issues and select a CmPS project from environmental concerns, human services, civic/cultural issues, and education.

Condition Phrase:
(Step 2)

A lead-in phrase that describes the situation in the future scene that is the basis for the challenge chosen in the Underlying Problem(UP).

Criteria:
(Steps 4 & 5)

Statements or questions used by the team to evaluate solution ideas.  Criteria should be focus on a single dimension, demonstrate a measure of degree, and indicate the desired direction.  Criteria may be classified as Stock or Target.

Future Problem Solving - Team:
(FPS)

Competition in which four students are given a Future Scene and a booklet which is to be completed within a specified time constraint.  Their charge is to problem solve to identify challenges and solutions in order to solve the situation presented to them.

Future Problem Solving - Individual:

Competition in which one student is given a Future Scene and a booklet which is to be completed within a specified time constraint.  Their charge is to problem solve to identify challenges and solutions in order to solve the situation presented to them.

Future Scene (Fuzzy):

A hypothetical, what if, scenario based on current information or ideas.  Also known as a "Fuzzy".

Future Scene Parameters (FSP):
(Step 2)

Elements that place the Underlying Problem within the parameters of the Future Scene, including time, place, and topic.  Could be described as the setting of the Underlying Problem.

Fuzzy (Future Scene):

See Future Scene.

Grid:
(Steps 4 & 5)

Table used in evaluation of solution ideas, solution receiving highest score in "grid" must be used for Action Plan in Step 6.

Key Verb Phrase (KVP):
(Step 2)

One key verb in a phrase connected with only one object, that mandates what will be done to solve the Underlying Problem(UP).  The key verb phrase will occur most often just after the Stem.

Purpose:
(Step 2)

The outcome expected from the directive set forth by the Key Verb Phrase (KVP).

Scenario Writing:

Encouraging creativity, scenario writing allows an individual writer to create a futuristic short story based on one of the five FPS topics.  FPS scenarios are limited to 1500 words and must be placed at least 20 years in the future.

Solution:
(Step 3)

Proposal ideas that are stated in definite terms that solve the Key Verb Phrase (KVP) and make a connection to the Purpose.

Stem:
(Step 2)

Use of the phrase,  "How might we"(HMW) OR  "In what ways might we"(IWWMW), in the Underlying Problem(UP).

Stock:
(Steps 4 & 5)

Criteria that are relevant in measuring concerns to most any problems; nonspecific to Future Scene, Underlying Problem (UP), or Solutions.

Target:
(Steps 4 & 5)

Criteria that are specific to the Future Scene, Underlying Problem (UP) and any of the parts of the UP.  They show greater insight and are more effective in evaluating the solution idea that is the best to use for the Action Plan.

Topic:

Relased subjects that allow students to reasearch and prepare for the Future Problem Solving competitions.

Underlying Problem (UP):
(Step 2)

A challenge that identifies and states a very important issue within the Future Scene to solve.  The UP is made up of the following components:  Condition Phrase, Stem, Key Verb Phrase (KVP), Purpose and Future Scene Parameters.