WRITING A PROBLEM STATEMENT 4.1.

1T

Purpose To formalize a problem in order to focus action. Related Documents

1 4–Knowledge Module
Description This framework helps a Team to discuss a problem in
depth and write an agreed-upon statement about how
it will be addressed. The process forces the Team to
think purposefully about who is affected by the
problem, possible causes, and potential solutions.
Time About 1 hour.
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Directions: As a Team, work through the boxes from top to bottom to craft a problem
statement. The next page contains a completed sample of the Writing a Problem Statement
worksheet. A blank copy of the worksheet appears on the last page.

Restate the initial problem that launched this inquiry process, or

Original problem or
rewrite the focusing question or one of the clarifying question as a
focusing question
statement.

who are most affected by Who is most directly impacted by this problem? Alternately, who
the problem? would benefit the most if this problem were resolved?

For example, skills, attitudes, knowledge, resources, or

Type of problem
something else.

Based on the data analysis and/or the root cause analysis, what
Suspected cause of the does the Team think is the most significant cause(s) contributing
problem to this problem? What, if addressed, would make the greatest
impact on resolving the problem? (Include specific evidence).

The wishes, dreams, and general vision describing the target.

Goal for improvement
The Team will write a clearer, measureable goal statement in
and long-term impact
Module 5.

High-level strategy that represents promising practices drawn

Proposal for addressing from research, local knowledge, and local expertise. (Note
the problem sources if possible). This will become the basis for subsequent
action planning.

Tie the above statements into 3–5 coherent sentences that could
Final problem statement
be easily understood by a wide range of stakeholders.

1
Adapted from Sagor, R. (2000). Guiding School Improvement Through Action Research. Association for
Supervision and Curriculum Development, Alexandria, VA.
 Sample of Completed Writing a Problem Statement Worksheet

According to the XY university mission statement, the university

What is the issue (problem
seeks to provide students with a safe, healthy learning
and its type) situation,
environment.
phenomenon

Dormitories are one important aspect of that learning

Who are environment, since 55% of XY students live in campus dorms and
concerned/affected? most of these students spend a significant amount of time working
(effects) in their dorm rooms. Many students report that they are unable to
do homework in their dorm rooms.

Students living in dorms A B C, and D currently do not have air

Cause of the problem conditioning units, and during the hot seasons, it is common for
room temperatures to exceed 80 degrees F.

In response to this problem, our study proposes to investigate

several options for making the dorms more hospitable.
Propose a solution We plan to carry out an all-inclusive participatory investigation
into options for purchasing air conditioners (university-funded;
student-subsidized) and different types of air conditioning
systems. We will also consider less expensive ways to mitigate
some or all of the problems noted above

What are the benefits if It is expected from this study that the proposed solution may lead
to find a proper way to improve the dorms situation to a better
problem is solved study environment.
summarize the problem and
solution
 Writing a Problem Statement Worksheet

What is the issue (problem and

its type) situation, phenomenon
Who are concerned/affected?
(effects)

Cause of the problem

Propose a solution

What are the benefits if problem

is solved

summarize the problem and

solution