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Critical Thinking and Problem Solving ESL Activities, Games and Lessons

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What makes you happy?

Esl happiness activity - speaking: listing, guided discussions, categorising, freer practice - pair and group work - intermediate (b1) - 40 minutes.

My Ideal Partner

Esl critical thinking activity - speaking: ranking, expressing opinions, negotiating, communicative practice - pair work - upper-intermediate (b2) - 25 minutes.

ESL Stress Activity - Speaking: Asking and Answering Questions, Guided Discussion, Ranking, Survey, Poster Creation, Freer and Communicative Practice - Pair and Group Work - Upper-intermediate (B2) - 90 minutes

ESL Critical Thinking Lesson - Reading and Listening Exercises: Answering Questions, Song Gap-fill, Answering Questions - Speaking Activity: Discussion - Group Work - Upper-intermediate (B2) - 90 minutes

What's the criteria?

Esl critical thinking and problem-solving activity - speaking: ranking, guided discussion, guessing, communicative practice - group work - upper-intermediate (b2) - 30 minutes.

ESL Critical Thinking Activity - Speaking: Guided Discussion, Communicative Practice - Group Work - Upper-intermediate (B2) - 30 minutes

Island Adventure

Esl desert island survival game - reading, writing, listening and speaking activity: writing sentences, preparing and delivering a presentation - group work - advanced (c1) - 50 minutes.

ESL Problem Solving Activity - Speaking: Guided Discussion, Presenting, Preparing and Performing a Role-Play, Communicative Practice - Group Work - Advanced (C1) - 40 minutes

Zero Sum Negotiations

Esl zero sum negotiations activity - speaking: negotiating, discussion, communicative practice - pair work - writing exercise: answering questions - advanced (c1) - 40 minutes.

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5 Problem-Solving Activities for the Classroom

Problem-solving skills are necessary in all areas of life, and classroom problem solving activities can be a great way to get students prepped and ready to solve real problems in real life scenarios. Whether in school, work or in their social relationships, the ability to critically analyze a problem, map out all its elements and then prepare a workable solution is one of the most valuable skills one can acquire in life.

Educating your students about problem solving skills from an early age in school can be facilitated through classroom problem solving activities. Such endeavors encourage cognitive as well as social development, and can equip students with the tools they’ll need to address and solve problems throughout the rest of their lives. Here are five classroom problem solving activities your students are sure to benefit from as well as enjoy doing:

1. Brainstorm bonanza

Having your students create lists related to whatever you are currently studying can be a great way to help them to enrich their understanding of a topic while learning to problem-solve. For example, if you are studying a historical, current or fictional event that did not turn out favorably, have your students brainstorm ways that the protagonist or participants could have created a different, more positive outcome. They can brainstorm on paper individually or on a chalkboard or white board in front of the class.

2. Problem-solving as a group

Have your students create and decorate a medium-sized box with a slot in the top. Label the box “The Problem-Solving Box.” Invite students to anonymously write down and submit any problem or issue they might be having at school or at home, ones that they can’t seem to figure out on their own. Once or twice a week, have a student draw one of the items from the box and read it aloud. Then have the class as a group figure out the ideal way the student can address the issue and hopefully solve it.

3. Clue me in

This fun detective game encourages problem-solving, critical thinking and cognitive development. Collect a number of items that are associated with a specific profession, social trend, place, public figure, historical event, animal, etc. Assemble actual items (or pictures of items) that are commonly associated with the target answer. Place them all in a bag (five-10 clues should be sufficient.) Then have a student reach into the bag and one by one pull out clues. Choose a minimum number of clues they must draw out before making their first guess (two- three). After this, the student must venture a guess after each clue pulled until they guess correctly. See how quickly the student is able to solve the riddle.

4. Survivor scenarios

Create a pretend scenario for students that requires them to think creatively to make it through. An example might be getting stranded on an island, knowing that help will not arrive for three days. The group has a limited amount of food and water and must create shelter from items around the island. Encourage working together as a group and hearing out every child that has an idea about how to make it through the three days as safely and comfortably as possible.

5. Moral dilemma

Create a number of possible moral dilemmas your students might encounter in life, write them down, and place each item folded up in a bowl or bag. Some of the items might include things like, “I saw a good friend of mine shoplifting. What should I do?” or “The cashier gave me an extra $1.50 in change after I bought candy at the store. What should I do?” Have each student draw an item from the bag one by one, read it aloud, then tell the class their answer on the spot as to how they would handle the situation.

Classroom problem solving activities need not be dull and routine. Ideally, the problem solving activities you give your students will engage their senses and be genuinely fun to do. The activities and lessons learned will leave an impression on each child, increasing the likelihood that they will take the lesson forward into their everyday lives.

Brainstorming Games, Activities, Worksheets & Lesson Plans

Coming up with lots of ideas about something, without judging them is known as brain storming. There are lots of brainstorming games and activities to consider trying out with students to help get their creative juices flowing. Keep on reading for the top brainstorm games to consider using in class!

Brainstorming Game Idea

Let’s get into the top brainstorming activities for students. Try them out and see what you think!

Brainstorming Games and Activities for English Learners

If you want to help your students out with brainstorming skills, then these games and activities will help you get there! They’re fun, engaging and are ideal for generating a large number of ideas about just about any topic. They can be used with almost all students, ESL or not.

#1: Word Association Brain Storming Game

This is a simple brainstorming activity that uses a mind map to generate ideas. For smaller classes, consider doing it together on the whiteboard. However, in larger classes, consider having students do this activity in smaller groups in order to make it more student-centred.

Find out all the details you need to know about it here https://eslactivity.org/word-association-an-esl-vocabulary-activity/

#2: Alphabet Brain Storm Game

A simple warmer or review activity is the A-Z alphabet game. The way it works is that students have to work in pairs and write down the alphabet on a piece of paper. Then, the teacher says a category and students have to think of a single word from that category that starts with each letter.

The winner is the team with the most words in a certain amount of time. Check it out for yourself: https://eslactivity.org/a-to-z-game/

#3: Choose your Own Adventure Writing Activity

This is a fun group writing activity that involves a large amount of brainstorming. Maybe you’re familiar with this type of story from when you were a kid? The way it works is that there is a single beginning of a story, but multiple endings, depending on which action is chosen.

Students have to work in groups of four to brainstorm some ideas for the various possibilities and then get to work writing them! Find out more about it: https://eslspeaking.org/choose-your-own-adventure/

Amazon Kindle Edition
Bolen, Jackie (Author)
English (Publication Language)
66 Pages - 11/28/2015 (Publication Date)

#4: Find Someone Who Bingo Game

It’s certainly possible to do this activity with a serious brainstorming element if you get students to think of the categories of things they may want to know about someone. For example, job, hobbies, family, etc. It’s a nice icebreaker activity for the first day of class to help students get to know each other.

Learn more about this brain storm game here: https://eslactivity.org/find-someone-who-bingo-game-for-esl-students/

#5: Brainstorm Games

Here are of the top ideas for brain storm activities and games.

#6: Hot Potato Brain Storming Game

This is a fun way to get students to brainstorm some ideas or words related to a single category of things. Students have to pass around a “potato” (or other classroom object) and when the music stops or a timer goes off, the person holding it has to do a task. In this case, it may be listing a word in a category (clothes, food, etc.) or adding an idea to a brainstorming mind map or chart on the whiteboard. It’s certainly a way to make brainstorming more fun and exciting!

#7: Name 5 Things

This is a simple activity that can be done in pairs of groups of three. Each team has one piece of paper and then the teacher says, “Write 5 ____.” The blank can be various things, depending on the level of the students but some examples are the following:

animals that live on a farm
adjectives to describe a big city

The first team to finish puts up their hands and the teacher can check their answers to see if they match. Play multiple rounds.

Brain storming games and activities

#8: Storm the Whiteboard

This is a quick brainstorming activity that is high on competition and interaction, making it perfect for kids. Divide the class up into 3-4 teams (depending on the number of students and amount of whiteboard space you have). They each line up behind one student who is standing at the whiteboard with a marker.

Call out a category (animals, jobs, etc.) or criteria (things you can do with a _____.) and the first students have to write down something on the board. Then, they pass the marker to the next person and go to the back of their line. The team with the most number of ideas or words at the end of the time is the winner.

#9: ESL Vocabulary Activities

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#10: Shout it Out

Divide students into 3-4 teams. Then, say a category to the first team who has to shout as many words as possible to you (quickly write them on the whiteboard) in that category in 1 minute. Each team gets a change to play 1-3 rounds with different categories for each one. Add up the points to see who is the winner.

#11: Draw Something

Set a timer for 1 minute and have everyone draw something. You an assign a theme such a monster, landscape scene, etc., or just let people be creative. You might also say something very simple like an apple, or piece of toast.

#12: What Can It Do?

Bring in a common object such as a paperclip, or an eraser. Put students into groups and they can try to come up with as many uses as possible for the object in a couple of minutes.

#13: Categories of Things

Need some ideas for what students can brainstorm about? Check this out:

Categories of Things List .

#14: Mind Mapping

Start with a central idea or topic and create a visual representation by branching out related ideas and concepts. Encourage participants to contribute their thoughts and connect ideas together. This activity can be done individually or in small groups.

#15: Random Word Association

Choose a random word and have participants generate as many ideas, words, or phrases related to that word within a given time limit. This exercise encourages quick thinking and can lead to unexpected connections and ideas.

#16: Reverse Brainstorming

Instead of generating ideas for a desired outcome, participants brainstorm ideas for how to achieve the opposite outcome. This helps to uncover potential obstacles or challenges and can lead to creative problem-solving.

209 Pages - 07/13/2020 (Publication Date) - Independently published (Publisher)

#17: Creative Writing Prompts

Provide participants with open-ended creative writing prompts or story starters. Ask them to write down their ideas or storylines within a given time limit. This activity allows for individual exploration of ideas and can be a fun way to unleash creativity.

#18: Debate Prep

Assign a controversial topic and divide the class into groups representing different perspectives. Have each group brainstorm arguments and evidence to support their stance. Students can then present their arguments in a debate-style discussion.

#19: Problem Solving

Present a real-life problem or challenge related to the lesson content and have students brainstorm possible solutions individually or in groups. Encourage them to think creatively and consider multiple perspectives.

#20: Rapid-Fire Ideas

Set a time limit and have students generate as many ideas as possible related to a specific topic or theme within that time frame. Encourage quick thinking and creativity. Afterward, students can share their ideas and discuss the feasibility or advantages of each.

Brain Storming Worksheets

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Brainstorm games and activities

Brainstorming Lesson Plans

If you’re a teacher then you’ll know how much time ready-made lesson plans can save you. And after all, someone else has already done the hard work so you don’t have to! Here are some of our top picks for brain storm lesson plans:

Better Lesson

My English Pages

Did you like these Brainstorming Activities?

67 Pages - 10/26/2015 (Publication Date)

Yes? Thought so. Then you’re going to love this book over on Amazon: 39 ESL Vocabulary Activities for Teenagers and Adults. The key to better English classes with kids, teens, university students or adults is a wide variety of engaging, interactive and student-centred games and activities and this book will help you get there in style. It’s ideal for helping students build better English vocabularies and being able to use these words in the correct context.

You can find the book in both digital and print formats. Consider keeping a copy on the shelf in your office to pull out as a handy reference guide when doing lesson planning. Or, download the free Kindle reading app and take a copy with you to your favourite coffee shop on any device for a serious lesson planning session on the go.

Either way, it’s easier than ever to get some ESL vocab teaching awesome. Head over to Amazon to check out the book for yourself but only if you want to level up your teaching in a big way:

Brain Storming Games FAQs

There are a number of common questions that people have about brainstorming games and activities. Here are the answers to some of the most popular ones.

How do you do a brainstorm game?

You can do a brainstorm game by focusing on quantity, not quality. The goal is to come up with as many ideas as possible and not judge them for merit. Withhold criticism until the end of the game. At this point, you can select the top options.

What are the 4 types of brainstorming?

The four types of brainstorming are as follows:

Reverse Brainstorming.
Stop-and-Go Brainstorming.
Phillips 66 Brainstorming.
Brainwriting.

What is brain storming?

Brain storming is the process of generating as many ideas as possible through free thinking without being bound by restraints. There should be no judgement on whether or not an idea is “good” or “bad.”

What are the four rules of brainstorming?

Here are the four rules of brainstorming:

Quantity is most important (vs. quality).
Don’t criticize or judge any idea.
Encourage creativity.
Combine and improve ideas during the process.

What is the main purpose of brainstorming?

The main purpose of brainstorming is to come up with lots of ideas quickly for a piece of writing, task, project, etc.

Have your Say about these Brainstorm Activities & Games

What’s your top pick for a brainstorm game? Is it one of the activities on this list or do you have another one that you’d like to recommend? Leave a comment below and let us know what you think. We’d love to hear from you.

Also be sure to give this article a share on Facebook, Pinterest, or Twitter. It’ll help other busy teachers, like yourself find this useful resource.

Last update on 2022-07-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

About Jackie

Jackie Bolen has been teaching English for more than 20 years to students in South Korea and Canada. She's taught all ages, levels and kinds of TEFL classes. She holds an MA degree, along with the Celta and Delta English teaching certifications.

Jackie is the author of more than 100 books for English teachers and English learners, including Business English Vocabulary Builder , 67 ESL Conversation Topics ,and 39 No-Prep/Low-Prep ESL Speaking Activities for Teenagers and Adults . She loves to share her ESL games, activities, teaching tips, and more with other teachers throughout the world.

You can find her on social media at: YouTube Facebook Instagram

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Best-selling author and English teacher Jackie Bolen has been talking ESL activities and games since 2015. The goal is to bring you the best ideas, lesson plans, and activity recommendations for your TEFL classes.

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40 Activities For Developing Critical Thinking in EFL Classes

In this article, I’m going to tackle critical thinking; what it is, what it involves, and some practical activities to develop it in EFL classes.

Critical thinking is one of the main purposes of education. Teachers should prepare their students to think critically from the first day of school. Critical thinking helps students to lead successful, fulfilling lives and become engaged citizens.

What Is Meant By Critical Thinking?

In today’s world, critical thinking is:

The ability to think about one’s thinking to recognize and improve it.
The process of applying, analyzing, constructing and evaluating information.
Making reasoned judgments using certain criteria to judge the quality of something.

What Critical Thinking Involves?

Asking questions,
Defining a problem,
Examining evidence,
Analyzing assumptions and biases,
Avoiding emotional reasoning,
Avoiding oversimplification,
Considering all interpretations,
Using higher level thinking skills; analyzing, evaluating and
Reaching creative solutions for problems.

Why Teach Critical Thinking?

Teachers should focus mainly to develop their students’ critical thinking to help them:

Be active receptors of the massive information that they receive nowadays.
Solve the complex problems that they face every day.
Make sound decisions about personal and civic affairs.

The Main Teaching Strategies To Develop Critical Thinking

Using ongoing classroom assessment.
Putting students in group learning situations to get continuous support and feedback from other students.
Presenting case studies to the class without a conclusion and using discussion and debate methods.
Using critical questions.
Using dialogues written or oral and encouraging students to analyze them.
Using comparisons to show the pros and cons of two things.

Example #1 of a Critical Thinking Activity

Using debates

Letter x Email

Broom x Vacuum cleaner

Telephone (landline) x Cell phone

Oven x Microwave

Sponge and soap x Dishwasher

Candle x Bulb

Book x Kindle

1. Ask the class who, in their own opinion, wins and why?

2. Ask students to pretend to be the item that they choose, try to list its advantages, and debate them with the other student.

3. Ask students to act out what they prepared in front of the class.

4. Ask the class to listen and take notes.

Example #2 of a Critical Thinking Activity

Using short stories

Ask students to read the following short story and answer the questions below:

Just before Christmas my father took me skiing at Mount Baker. He’d had to fight for the privilege of my company, because my mother was still angry with him for sneaking me into a nightclub during his last visit, to see Thelonious Monk.

Write an introduction to this short story.
Write the second paragraph.
Do you think they stayed up all night in the nightclub? What did they do?
What do you think about the father?
Do you think the family enjoyed Christmas?
If you were the mother, would you be angry?
What did you learn from the story?
Can you guess the best/worst case scenario of how the story will end?
Why did the father take the kid to the nightclub?
Do you think the mother wanted to go to the nightclub?
Do you like such a father?
Do you think the dad lives with the family?
What are the feelings of the kid?
Do you think the kid has siblings?
Did the kid solve the problem with his mother?
What would you do if you were in his/her shoes?
How old is he or she?
Where do they live? Country or town?
Do you think the kid is good at school?
Why did the father sneak the kid into the nightclub?
Do you think the mother was right when she got angry?
What do you think of the dad?
Should the kid apologize to the mother and how?
Does the father accompany his kid often or rarely?
What do you think happened before Christmas?
Why did the father not take the mother along? …. etc.

When asking students such critical thinking questions, the teacher should:

Keep the discussion focused.
Keep the discussion reasonable.
Stimulate the discussion with more probing questions.
Summarize periodically what has and what has not been dealt with or resolved.
Engage as many students as possible in the discussion.

More Examples of Activities For Developing Critical Thinking in EFL Classes

3. Write a title on the board, divide the students into groups, and they sit together and make a story (each group will have a different story and then share it with the whole class).

4. Use a short story, ask students about their opinions of the characters, then discuss with the whole class whether they agree or disagree asking why?

5. Draw objects and ask them about them (compare and contrast).

6. Write an essay on a certain topic or respond to an email.

7. Suggest a suitable title for a story.

8. Transfer information to others

9. Brainstorm ideas using a mind map.

10. Summarize a text and give opinions.

11. Ask what-if questions (what if you were Oliver twist/Cinderella).

12. Ask students to complete a sentence.

13. Ask about the moral of a story.

14. Give students a problem related to their environment and ask them to do research about it and give some creative solutions for it.

15. Ask open-ended questions; questions that have many possible answers (e.g. should we spend more money developing earth or exploring space?). Divide the class into groups, each thinks of answers and then shares them.

16. Give a situation and encourage students (in groups) to analyze, evaluate, and make judgments.

17. Ask students to make an end to a story.

18. Ask students to criticize a certain situation.

19. List the advantages and disadvantages of a topic.

20. Introduce some situations using (what would you do in the following situation? what if we do not have …., what would happen if …?

21. Ask students: which is different: milk, water, soda, or juice? Why? Which one is better (in pairs and students pick different sides)

22. Imagine you are the president, the mayor, a leader, a doctor etc… What decisions would you take first?

Reading Activities

Let’s brainstorm some ideas of how to promote critical thinking after reading a story, e.g. “Cinderella”.

23. Analyze characters: Do you like “Character”? Why?

24. Use what-if questions: What if Cinderella was ugly?

25. Introduce or remove a character then ask for the impact on the storyline.

26. Ask for another ending for the story.

27. Ask for their thoughts about what’s after the ending.

28. Change the setting and ask for the results.

29. Ask students to watch the movie after reading the story and then compare the characters and the storyline!

Speaking activities

30. Ask students to look at a certain picture and describe their feelings about it.

31. Ask students to compare things.

32. Introduce a problem and ask students to give as many solutions as possible for it.

33. Ask students to gather information from conflicting resources.

34. Ask controversial questions.

35. Encourage Role Plays.

36. Ask students about their priority: education/health/entertainment and why?

Listening activities

37. Prediction.

38. Making inferences.

39. Drawing conclusions.

40. Differentiating between facts and opinions.

Writing Activities

41. Writing blurbs to pictures or ads … etc.

42. Writing Commentaries.

43. Responding to emails, letters or SMS.

For setting students up for success in critical thinking activities teachers need to:

Brainstorm enough information before asking students to carry out a certain task.
Encourage them to participate.
Provide them with help and guidance (when needed).
Assure them that there are no “wrong answers”.
Accept all answers and points of view.
Appreciate their efforts.
Praise their trials.
Teach them critical thinking skills!

Here are some critical thinking skills that students need to learn:

Thinking outside the box.
Asking questions and then questioning answers.
Analyzing the reading or the listening text.
Logically addressing an issue.
Supporting their stance with evidence.
Respectfully refuting others’ opinions.
Evaluating the truth of a claim or argument.

Adapted from U.S. Department of State English Language Programs – Samar Aal

Thanks for Reading

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Problem solving speaking activity

Students work in pairs or small groups trying to find solutions to 5 different problems. It is a good opportunity to practice the second conditional ( I would…, If I were in this situation …), modal verbs ( should, might, mustn’t etc.) and negotiating (agreeing/disagreeing/expressing your opinion/asking about your partner’s opinion).

To practice agreeing and disagreeing please see Problem Solving Part 2 , School Problems , Moral Dilemmas , Workplace Dilemmas and Parental Decisions activities.

Personal Experience

I have used this activity both with adult and teenage students, levels intermediate – advanced. It works well as a warm-up (giving the students just one problem) to a regular class, and may also be used during conversation classes (takes around 20 mins.) Make sure to allow some time for the groups to present and compare their ideas at the end of class.

Problem Solving

I am teaching a fifth semester, Modern Languages Program, course at the university level and I found these activities are excellent to have my students speak more and more fluently. Thanks so much for posting them.

Wonderful news, Jhon! I’m so glad to hear my ideas worked out with your students as well.

I would like to take the time and THANK YOU for the ideas and for sharing this material. I am going to use it for sure. I work with teenagers who need to practice the language a lot and when given the proper topic, get engaged in a good discussion. I find your material very useful. Thanks!

Pingback: Problem solving speaking activity: part 2

I just discovered your website, it’s amazing. Thanks so much for sharing !

17 Fun Problem Solving Activities & Games [for Kids, Adults and Teens]

Everyone should learn problem solving, as it is important in both our personal and professional lives. Problems occur all around us and many people react with spontaneous emotion. Instead, effective use of problem solving skills can lead to rational thinking, a component of any successful endeavor.

Creative problem involves using one or more of the basic steps of problem solving in exercises designed to challenge the thinking. Problem solving activities work for every age group. In this article, we will present problem-solving activities for adults and kids. We will also provide you with group and team building problem solving ideas.

Table of Contents

There are four basic steps in problem solving:

define the problem
generate possible solutions
evaluate and select possible solutions
implement solutions

Problem solving activities use one of more of these steps.

Group Problem Solving Activities

Group activities provide an effective way to learn problem-solving skills. The following list of activities present problem solving skills in the form of games, a non-threatening and fun way.

Divide your group into teams of equal numbers. Give each team a ball of yarn. Instruct the teams to create a web using only the yarn. Once the teams have finished (you may have to set an amount of time for completion), switch the teams around so that every team has a web other than their own. Each team then blindfolds one team member. The goal is for the blindfolded individual to unwind the web following the verbal instruction of their teammates. In order to be successful, team members must concentrate, and give/follow directions. The first team that has dismantled the web wins this game.

To Do Scavenger Hunt

This scavenger hunt game involves solving a list of problem activities. Begin by dividing your group into teams. Give each group a list of to do activities. The list should begin with some simple tasks, with increasingly more difficult activities. Some suggested activities are:

Write a one hundred word poem on a given theme.
Find an object readily available in the area in which you are playing
Drink a whole can or glass of a liquid
Solve a Sudoku or cross word puzzle
Write out all the lyrics of a song (a Christmas carol works well at holiday time)

The team that completes all the activities first, wins.

Impromptu Skits

Prior to playing this game, write down a few appropriate situations that deal events in the venue in which you are playing. For example, for a group involved in customer service, use dealing with an angry customer on the phone. If you have a large group, divide them into teams of six to eight members. Have each group choose a folded piece of paper on which you have written the subject of a skit they must create. Give a set amount of time to prepare the skit and then have each team present their skit to the group. If you have a small group, have each person create one side of a conversation dealing with the problem for presentation to everyone.

Block Duplicating

Build a model out of building blocks. Provide each group member (or divide into teams for a large group ) enough blocks to duplicate the model. Set a specific amount of time for completing the duplicated model. The team that is the first to finish – or gets the furthest on completing their model – wins. The more difficult the original model, the longer this task will take.

Team Building Problem Solving Activities

When choosing team building problem solving activities, make sure the game you use suits the group of people – their ages and interests. The activities we have listed will help with not only problem solving, but also build decision making, collaboration, and listening skills.

Tower Building

Although there are many variations to this game, this one using spaghetti and marsh mellows is our favorite. Divide you group into teams with an equal number of players. Provide each team with an equal amount of spaghetti and marsh mellows. The goal is to see which team can build the highest tower within a set amount of time.

Personalized Crossword

For this game to be effective, you need one or more teams of 8 to 10 people. Have each team list the first and last names of their group members. The goal is to create a crossword puzzle with clues composed of hints about the person, for example, if only one team member has red hair, the two clues for her first and last name could be, “Red hair,” and “Ginger.” It should take each team 20 to 30 minutes to complete their puzzle. When all the teams are finished, trade puzzles so that every team has a different one. Make sure you provide a list of names for the puzzle solvers.

Picture Pieces Puzzle Game

Prepare for this problem solving activity by choosing a well-known picture or cartoon full of detail. Cut the picture into equal sized squares and give one to each member of the group. You will need as many pieces as you have participants. Additionally, give each person a pencil, ruler for help enlarging the picture, colored markers, and a clean sheet of paper. Instruct them to make the puzzle piece five times larger.

Problem Solving Activities for Adults

Divide your group into two teams. Line up the two teams front to back. Have the two groups face each other. Using chalk, spray paint, or masking tape (depending on the play surface) mark a square space for each person to stand on with one extra empty space between the two facing rows. You may also use a piece of paper for each person. The goal is for the two facing lines of players to change places.

Place these restrictions on movement:

Only one person may move at a time.
A person may not move around anyone facing the same direction.
A person may not move backward.
A person may not move around more than one person on the other team at a time.

Playing Card Mix-up

Divide your group into teams of six to eight participants. Give each team two decks of cards randomly mixed together. Tell the group they must sort them out without talking. As they working at the task, after a few minutes, change the way in which they are doing so using one of the following:

If a team is sorting by suits from ace to king (4 stacks), tell them to collect the suits together by number (13 stacks).
If a team begins by collecting the suits together, i.e. all the ones, twos, threes, etc., tell them to sort the suits from ace to king.

The team(s) that do so successfully by the end of a given time (depending on the size of your group) share what methods they used to accomplish the task.

Blindfolded games are always fun and provide the perfect challenge for adult problem solving. We have provided two for you.

Blind Formations

Have your group of adults put on blindfolds and form a large circle. Tie the ends of a rope together and lay in it a circle in the middle of the group, close enough that each person can reach down and pick up the rope. Tell them they must create a shape – a square, triangle, pentagon, etc. If you have a very large group, divide them into teams and provide a rope for each team. Let them compete to see who forms a particular shape quickest.

Line up Blind

Blindfold everyone and number the group by whispering a number to each individual beginning at one. Tell them to line up in numerical order without talking. Variations are many, with some of the favorites not requiring the whispering step being to line up according to height, birthday, surname, color of hair, etc.

Balloon Tower

Divide you group into teams of three and provide ten balloons and four 3-foot long strips of masking tape for each team. The object of this problem solving activity is to build the tallest freestanding tower in ten minutes. They can break the balloons if they wish. However, they may not use any additional materials and the tower must be built on a table or the floor. If you wish, you may add the following instructions:

No talking.
Each team member may use only one hand.
One team member may not touch the materials and only give directions.

You can use one or more of these limitations in 60-second intervals. The first team to complete their tower wins this challenge.

Problem Solving Activities for Kids

The purpose of problem solving activities for kids is to get kids to think about a problem in a different way and have fun while solving it. Children will develop their creativity as they seek to implement a solution.

Walking the Plank

For this problem solving activity for older kids or teens, you will need four 2×6 boards. Divide your group into two teams with an equal number of children on each team. Place two of the four boards end to end on the ground or floor. Set the other two parallel to the first two about two or three feet apart. The goal is for each team to pass one board forward while standing on the other board in single file. If someone steps off a board, the team must start over. The team that succeeds in passing the boards a set number of times, or reaches a predetermined spot is the winner.

“Laser” Web

Use a large ball of string to create a giant web from one end of a room to the other. The goal is for individuals or teams to move through the web without touching the string. If they do so, they have been “zapped by a laser” and must try again. For greater suspense and for older players, use blindfolds or turn off the lights, allowing players to touch the string, but not pull it down or out of its original shape.

Group Drawing

Divide your group of kids into teams of three. Each person on the team has a one of the following roles:

Drawer . The drawer attempts to recreate a pre-drawn design they cannot see. They take directions from the talker. They stand with their back to the talker and viewer and may not talk.
Talker . The talker describes the design to the drawer, without seeing the design. They may question the viewer. They may not use hand gestures.
Viewer . The viewer sees the design. However, they are not allowed to talk and must communicate nonverbally to the talker. Additionally, they must not draw the design in the air or actually show the design with their gestures.

The activity ends when the viewers say they are satisfied with the drawings. You may wish to award a prize to the best drawing.

Prior to playing this game, write on individual slips of paper the names of animal pairs, one name on each slip. Distribute the slips of paper to each group, instructing them not to share which animal name they received. The kids then move around performing activities their animal might do. The goal is for the kids to get into pairs successfully in a set amount of time without talking or making any noises. Suggest the following activities:

Cleaning or grooming
Eating and drinking
Walking or running

Alphabet Game

Have your players sit or stand in a circle. The goal is to shout out words in alphabetical order. Give the kids one of the following categories (or choose your own):

If a player takes longer than five seconds to think of a word, they are out. The last player remaining wins the game.

People achieve more when they solve problems and make decisions together. Our problem solving activities teach participants how to work out a solution, a talent useful in many different environments. Problem solving:

Improves team work
Helps participants address complex situations
Utilizes different thinking styles
Increases creativity
Collectively leads to decision making
Teaches both negotiation and cooperation

After completing a problem solving activity, encourage participants to discuss what process(es) they used in the exercise. Even kids are able to participate in such discussions. Also ask what was learned and if they have any opinions about how they could have solved the problem more efficiently.

Team-building exercises can improve problem solving and decision making in a new or established team. They work with every age group and in many different environments. Use our exercises to help solve problems and have some fun doing so.

Susan majored in English with a double minor in Humanities and Business at Arizona State University and earned a Master’s degree in Educational Administration from Liberty University. She taught grades four through twelve in both public and private schools. Subjects included English, U.S. and world history and geography, math, earth and physical science, Bible, information technologies, and creative writing.

Susan has been freelance writing for over ten years, during which time she has written and edited books, newspaper articles, biographies, book reviews, guidelines, neighborhood descriptions for realtors, Power Point presentations, resumes, and numerous other projects.

Read full bio

Thanks for your help!!

excellent ideas – thanks !

Excellent ideas.

Thank you. My students have requested we do team-building activities; I thought we would start with problem-solving.

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The Classroom | Empowering Students in Their College Journey

ESL Problem-Solving Games

English Games to Teach Imperatives

A balanced approach to life has always been described as eight hours of rest, eight hours of work, and eight hours of play. Games typically occur during play time, but that seems to be changing. According to a report submitted to the “Education Resources Information Center” in March 2012, a game can capture a person’s attention, reduce stress, and promote fast-paced problem solving. Therefore, play time may actually serve as the best time for language acquisition among English as a Second Language (ESL) learners of all ages.

Problem Solving Just Got Exciting

According to a study in the “Journal of Educational Computing Research” published in July 2011, problem solving is a 21st century skill that requires people to enter into new settings and rapidly and efficiently figure out what has to be learned or done. While textbooks and lectures can address problem solving in isolation, the traditional approach does not give ESL learners opportunities for application of the skill. Games are an alternative approach that can fill the gap. The basic components of any game are rules, competition and fun, which creates a sense of urgency and prompts the learner to action.

Humorously Using a New Language

Building on the basic components, problem solving games are appropriate at every stage of life. The report submitted to the “Education Resources Information Center” in March 2012, described a game called “What Would You Do If?” which requires elementary ESL learners to randomly pick one hypothetical question and one unrelated answer. The learner has to bridge the question to the answer using their imagination, problem-solving skills, and their newly acquired vocabulary in a certain amount of time. While humorous, the English language learner is inferring and creating narratives. This is a simple example of gaming, but the level of complexity should fit the learners’ language level and age.

Games for Digital Natives

As age and language levels increase, the complexity of the game should also increase and may involve technology. Most adolescents, whether ESL or not, are digital natives and are accustomed to using software or the Internet for recreational purposes. Therefore, technology-based problem solving games are appropriate for early adolescents and adults. The previously mentioned study published in the “Journal of Educational Computing Research” in July 2011, described software for middle school students to play the role of a researcher charged with discovering the nature and cause of an infectious disease outbreak. Through simulation, students make inferences and experience emotions while applying their knowledge of microbiology. This type of experience is especially beneficial to ESL learners because it provides an opportunity to use vocabulary specialized to the scientific field. According to findings published in “Multicultural Education” in January 2011, ESL learners require assistance in developing specific content vocabulary in their second language to be successful in school and work.

Well known games can be adapted for problem solving.

When considering games, why reinvent the wheel? Popular games and game shows can easily be adapted for ESL problem solving. Everyone already knows the rules and can jump right in! Games like Balderdash and Scrabble are good for developing general vocabulary, and Jeopardy is useful for content. A case study published in the “International Journal of Mathematical Education in Science and Technology” in November 2010, compared two groups of introductory statistics classes. One class used the rules in "Deal or No Deal" to learn about expected value and the necessary calculations. The class used traditional methods. When given the written exam, more students that played the game passed than students that did not. According to the study, the game provided an instructional avenue that removed the fear factor and provided real-time problem solving.

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Shelley McKinley has experience as a principal, assistant principal, science teacher and central office administrator. She began writing education-related articles in 2011 and was referenced in the Journal of the National Association for Alternative Certification in 2012. McKinley holds a Doctor of Education in curriculum and instruction from Texas Southern University.

Educationise

Engaging Problem Solving Activities That Spark Student Interest

In this article, we’ll explore a range of engaging problem solving activities crafted to captivate students’ interest and promote active learning across various subjects. From STEM design challenges to literature-based dilemmas, these hands-on activities are meticulously tailored to inspire curiosity, collaboration, and critical thinking in the classroom .

What are Problem Solving Skills?

Problem-solving skills refer to the ability to identify challenges, analyze potential solutions, and implement strategies to resolve issues effectively. These skills involve a combination of cognitive processes, such as critical thinking, creativity, and logical reasoning, that help individuals tackle complex problems in a systematic way.

Developing problem solving skills is essential not only in academic settings but also in everyday life and the workplace. They enhance decision-making, promote adaptability, and encourage the capacity to approach obstacles from multiple perspectives, enabling individuals to arrive at the most effective solutions.

Problem Solving Skills Examples

When exploring examples of problem solving skills, it’s important to understand how various abilities contribute to effective resolution of issues. These problem solving skills examples encompass a range of techniques and strategies that enable individuals to tackle challenges efficiently. Let’s explore these examples one by one:

Analytical Thinking : The ability to break down complex problems into smaller, manageable components, making it easier to understand and solve the issue systematically.
Creativity : Using innovative thinking to generate unique solutions to problems, often by approaching challenges from a new or unconventional perspective.
Critical Thinking : Assessing situations logically, evaluating evidence, and making informed decisions by considering all aspects of the problem before acting. This is a common example of problem solving skills. This is a classic example of problem solving skills, demonstrating how the ability to analyze, evaluate, and address challenges can lead to effective solutions.
Decision-Making : The ability to weigh different options, assess their potential outcomes, and choose the best course of action to resolve an issue effectively. It exemplifies the essential skills of solving problems, including the ability to weigh different options, assess their potential outcomes, and choose the best course of action to achieve a successful resolution.
Communication : Sharing ideas clearly and effectively with others, listening to different viewpoints, and collaborating to reach a solution collectively.
Adaptability : Being flexible in adjusting to new information or changes in circumstances, allowing one to modify their approach when the original plan is no longer effective.
Research : Gathering relevant information and resources to better understand the problem and find informed solutions based on facts and evidence.
Collaboration : Working together with others, leveraging diverse skills and knowledge, to solve a problem more efficiently than working alone.
Time Management : Prioritizing tasks and managing time efficiently to ensure problems are solved within deadlines or before they escalate.

From problem-solving skills examples such as analytical thinking and creativity, which help break down and innovate solutions, to critical thinking and decision-making, which guide the evaluation of options and implementation of the best strategies, each skill plays a pivotal role.

Additionally, skills like communication, adaptability, research, collaboration, and time management are crucial for addressing problems in a comprehensive manner. Understanding and developing these skills can greatly enhance one’s ability to navigate complex issues and achieve successful outcomes.

Problem Solving Activities for Students

In today’s educational landscape, fostering critical thinking and problem solving skills is paramount. As educators, we aim to cultivate a generation of students who excel not only academically but also in navigating real-world challenges with creativity and confidence. Here is the list of problem-solving activities that can help enhance these essential skills.

1. Escape Room Challenge: The Lost Treasure

“Escape Room Challenge: The Lost Treasure” offers compelling problem solving activities for students, immersing them in a thrilling adventure that enhances their critical thinking and teamwork skills as they work to solve puzzles and uncover hidden clues. This interactive experience also serves as one of the best team building problem solving activities, fostering collaboration and communication among participants.

Follow the steps below to implement this activity in the class:

Introduce the escape room challenge and set the scene with a captivating treasure hunt theme.
Transform the classroom into an immersive escape room environment with hidden clues and puzzles.
Divide students into teams and provide instructions for the challenge, emphasizing teamwork and problem solving skills.
Allow teams to explore the room and uncover hidden clues and puzzles.
Encourage observation and collaboration as teams work together to solve challenges.
Present teams with a variety of puzzles and obstacles to overcome.
Challenge them to solve each puzzle to progress through the adventure.
Set a time limit for the challenge to create urgency and excitement.
Encourage teams to work efficiently to unlock the secrets of the treasure before time runs out.
Foster effective communication and teamwork among team members.
Emphasize the importance of listening and leveraging each other’s strengths.
Throughout the challenge, students will develop critical thinking, communication, and problem solving skills.
Encourage reflection on their strategies and teamwork dynamics.
Celebrate each team’s success upon completing the challenge.
Facilitate a debrief session for students to share insights and reflect on their experiences.

With this guide, you can create an engaging escape room challenge that promotes teamwork, critical thinking, and problem solving skills in a fun and immersive learning environment. Incorporating problem solving activities for kids like this one will not only keep them entertained but also sharpen their cognitive abilities as they tackle exciting challenges.

2. STEM Design Challenge: Build a Bridge

“STEM Design Challenge: Build a Bridge” is one of the most engaging problem solving activities for middle school students, offering a fun problem solving experience that enhances their engineering skills and encourages teamwork and innovation

Here is the step by step breakdown of this activity:

Present the STEM design challenge to students, explaining that they will be tasked with building a bridge using simple materials.
Supply students with materials such as popsicle sticks, straws, tape, string, and basic construction tools.
Encourage students to inspect the materials and plan their bridge designs accordingly.
Prompt students to brainstorm ideas and sketch their bridge designs before starting construction.
Encourage them to consider factors like structural stability, weight distribution, and material durability.
Instruct students to begin building their bridges based on their designs.
Remind them to apply principles of engineering and physics as they construct their bridges.
As students build their bridges, they’ll encounter challenges and obstacles.
Encourage them to apply problem solving strategies and make adjustments to their designs as needed.
Throughout the construction process, facilitate discussions among students.
Encourage them to reflect on their design choices and problem solving approaches.
Provide opportunities for students to test their bridges using various weight loads or simulated environmental conditions.
Encourage them to observe how their bridges perform and make further adjustments if necessary.

8. Bridge-Building Showcase:

Conclude the challenge with a bridge-building showcase where students present their creations to their peers.
Encourage students to discuss their design process, challenges faced, and lessons learned.

9. Celebrate Achievements:

Celebrate students’ achievements and highlight the importance of their creativity and engineering prowess.
Encourage a spirit of inquiry and innovation as students showcase their bridge designs.

10. Reflect and Conclude:

Conclude the STEM design challenge with a reflection session.
Prompt students to reflect on their experiences and discuss the skills they’ve developed throughout the challenge.

By following these step-by-step instructions, students will engage in a hands-on STEM design challenge that fosters critical thinking, creativity, collaboration , and resilience while deepening their understanding of engineering and physics principles.

3. Mystery Box Inquiry: What’s Inside?

It is one of the ideal problem solving group activities that offers creative ways to improve problem solving skills in students, encouraging teamwork and critical thinking as they work together to uncover the secrets hidden within the box.

Incorporating problem solving team-building activities like this fosters collaboration and enhances communication, essential skills for both academic and personal growth. These engaging team problem solving activities challenge participants to think critically and combine their strengths to achieve a common goal.

Follow these steps to carry out this activity in the class:

Introduction and Setup: Introduce the Mystery Box Inquiry activity and set up a closed mystery box in the classroom.
Group Formation and Instructions: Divide students into small groups and provide instructions emphasizing teamwork and critical thinking.
Engage the Senses: Encourage students to gather around the mystery box and use their senses (touch, smell, hearing) to gather clues about its contents.
Making Observations: Instruct students to carefully observe the exterior of the mystery box and record their observations.
Formulating Hypotheses: Prompt students to formulate hypotheses about what might be inside the mystery box based on their observations.
Testing Hypotheses: Invite students to test their hypotheses by proposing various scenarios and explanations.
Refining Problem Solving Strategies: Encourage students to refine their problem solving strategies based on new information and insights.
Group Discussion and Conclusion: Gather the groups for a discussion, allowing students to share their observations, hypotheses, and insights. Conclude by revealing the contents of the mystery box and discussing the problem solving process.
Reflection and Extension: Provide students with an opportunity to reflect on their experience and optionally extend the activity by challenging them to design their own mystery box inquiries.

By following these steps, you can facilitate an engaging Mystery Box Inquiry activity that prompts students to make astute observations, test hypotheses, and refine their problem solving strategies effectively. Through teamwork and problem solving activities, students learn to communicate ideas, share diverse perspectives, and develop strategies that lead to creative and successful solutions.

Incorporating hands on problem-solving activities like this not only enhances critical thinking but also strengthens teamwork, as students collaborate and combine their efforts to solve challenges together.

4. Real-World Problem Simulation: Environmental Crisis

Real-World Problem Simulation: Environmental Crisis” is one of the most engaging problem solving activities for high school students, designed as a group problem solving challenge that immerses students in the complexities of environmental issues, encouraging collaboration and critical thinking to find innovative solutions.

Introduce the environmental crisis scenario.
Explain its significance and real-world implications.
Divide students into teams with varied skill sets.
Assign roles like researcher, negotiator, presenter.
Task teams with researching causes, impacts, and solutions.
Provide access to relevant resources.
Encourage teams to negotiate with stakeholders.
Prompt the development of comprehensive strategies.
Organize a debate or town hall-style discussion.
Facilitate analysis of proposed solutions.
Allow teams to implement proposed solutions.
Monitor progress and outcomes.
Conclude with a group reflection session.
Discuss lessons learned and the importance of problem solving skills.

This is one of the problem solving activities for students that can create a simulated environmental crisis scenario, fostering collaboration, critical thinking, and problem solving skills in students.

5. Mathematical Escape Puzzle: Crack the Code

Mathematical Escape Puzzle: Crack the Code” is one of the most intriguing problem solving activities in the classroom, offering an exciting blend of problem solving games for students and challenging puzzles that test their mathematical skills and teamwork. This activity presents a unique problem solving challenge for students, motivating them to collaborate and think critically to solve complex equations and unlock the code.

Introduce the escape puzzle, explaining the goal of unlocking a hidden code through math equations and logic puzzles.
Set up materials in the classroom.
Explain students’ task: solving math equations and logic puzzles to unlock the code.
Provide puzzle materials to teams or individuals.
Instruct on effective use.
Prompt students to solve provided math equations and logic puzzles.
Encourage collaboration and problem solving among students.
Offer guidance as needed.
Monitor student progress and provide assistance when required.
Celebrate successful completion of puzzles.
Guide students through unlocking the hidden code.
Conclude with a reflective discussion on math concepts and problem solving skills applied.

By following these steps, you can engage students in a challenging Mathematical Escape Puzzle that reinforces math skills and promotes problem solving abilities.

6. Literature-Based Problem Solving Activity: Character Dilemmas

Literature-Based Problem Solving Activity: Character Dilemmas” is an engaging problem solving activity for students that enhances problem solving skills in students by challenging them to analyze and resolve complex character dilemmas in literature. This activity not only deepens their understanding of the narrative but also sharpens their ability to think critically and collaboratively.

Choose literature pieces with rich character development and moral dilemmas that are suitable for your students’ age and maturity level.
Present the Literature-Based Problem Solving activity to students, explaining that they will engage in thought-provoking analysis and ethical reflection inspired by characters in literature.
Assign readings or excerpts from the selected literature to students.
Instruct students to analyze the characters’ motivations, actions, and the ethical dilemmas they face.
Encourage students to prepare for discussions by taking notes on key points, character motivations, and possible solutions to the dilemmas.
Host lively discussions where students explore the moral dilemmas presented in the literature.
Encourage students to express their thoughts, opinions, and interpretations while respecting diverse perspectives.
Organize persuasive debates where students defend their viewpoints and propose solutions to the character dilemmas.
Encourage students to use evidence from the literature to support their arguments.
Prompt students to apply problem solving skills to analyze the consequences of different decisions and actions within the literature.
Encourage critical thinking as students navigate complex ethical situations.
Guide students in applying the lessons learned from literature to real-world scenarios.
Encourage reflection on how the problem solving skills and ethical considerations explored in the activity can be applied in their own lives.
Conclude the Literature-Based Problem Solving activity by summarizing key insights and takeaways from the discussions and debates.
Encourage students to reflect on how their understanding of moral dilemmas and problem solving skills has evolved through the activity.

It is one of the problem solving activities through which students will engage in thought-provoking analysis, ethical reflection, and problem solving inspired by characters in literature, fostering critical thinking and ethical decision-making skills in a meaningful and engaging way.

Engaging problem solving activities for students are the cornerstone of active learning, fostering essential skills for success in today’s dynamic world. By seamlessly integrating these hands-on experiences into the classroom, educators inspire curiosity, collaboration, and critical thinking in their students.

Whether through STEM design challenges, literature-based dilemmas, or coding adventures, these problem solving exercises empower students to become adept problem solvers, equipped to navigate the challenges of tomorrow with confidence and ingenuity. Embrace the transformative potential of engaging problem solving activities to unleash the full spectrum of educational possibilities and prepare students for a future brimming with possibilities.

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Speaking skills: Speaking matters

1 Speaking skills: Speaking matters
2 Speaking matters: Developing fluency
3 Speaking matters: Developing and dealing with accuracy
4 Speaking matters: Assessing speaking
5 Speaking matters: Personalization
6 Speaking matters: Problem-solving
7 Speaking matters: Role-play
8 Speaking matters: Pairwork

Speaking matters: Problem-solving

By Adrian Tennant

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This article looks at problem-solving activities and what they are like. It covers how to set them up, why it's good to use them, the disadvantages and what you should do after the activity.

Introduction

Students need a reason to speak in the classroom. Many speaking activities seem to have no aim other than to get students to talk to each other, but for what reason? By doing the activity what will they achieve? Some activities, like pairwork activities, try to create a purpose by creating an information gap - i.e. where one student has some of the information and another student the rest and, only by speaking to each other can they complete the task. However, this simple transference of information only replicates a small part of what speaking in real life is used for.

Role-plays are another favourite classroom activity designed to get students speaking, but these often focus on creating scenarios or situations where students practise functional language such as giving directions, asking for information, etc. Although this is realistic, it is still often on a level of one student having information that another student doesn't. In real life, we often speak about something when we both, or all, share a lot of the same information. This can take the form of a discussion or a debate where we have opinions, but it can also take the shape of a discussion based on having to solve a problem. In this article, we'll take a closer look at problem-solving speaking activities.

What are problem-solving activities like?

There are a number of types of problem solving activities. For the sake of simplicity I'll split them into three types:

1. The opinion problem-solving activity.

In this type of activity students are given information to discuss where there is not necessarily one right or wrong answer. This type of activity differs from a normal discussion in that there is a built-in problem within the information.

You and three friends rowed out to a small island in the middle of a lake. When you landed you forgot to tie the boat up properly and it has drifted away. Night is now approaching. It is 3km back to the shore, but one of your friends can't swim. You do not have any food with you and you don't know if anyone knows where you are. What do you do?

Students are then expected to discuss the problem and come up with a solution. To help students you can provide a set of ideas/options for them to choose from. You can also make the activity more complicated by giving each student a 'role card' with an extra piece of information on it (that might be a problem) i.e.

There is no wood on the island so you can't build a fire. At night the temperature drops to freezing .

2. The logical thinking problem-solving activity.

In this type of problem-solving activity there is usually one correct solution. To arrive at the solution the students need to discuss information they are given and logically work out what the solution is. There are two ways in which the information can be given, either split between a number of students so that they don't have the same information and they must share it, or where they all have the same information and simply have to discuss things together. In the later version a set of questions can often help students work out the answer. (See activity 2 in the 'Practical ideas' section below for a logical thinking activity).

3.The information gap problem-solving activity.

How does this differ from a normal information gap (i.e. a pairwork information gap where one student has information that the other student doesn't)? Well, the main difference is that in a normal information gap activity it is simply a matter of transferring the information, i.e. two students have a profile of a person. Student A knows the person's age and nationality, etc. Student B then asks 'How old is he?' and fills in the missing information they obtain in the correct space, etc. In a problem-solving information gap, getting the missing information is not the ultimate aim, but merely a stepping stone on the way to solving a problem.

Why use problem-solving activities?

Apart from the fact that these kinds of activities can be a lot of fun they are also very stimulating. They usually require students to communicate information to each other where the focus is on expressing ideas and opinions and not simply repeating phrases. In many ways, problem-solving activities replicate 'real' speaking in that people have a need to speak. Problem-solving activities can also be an effective way of practising language items that have been taught, i.e. both grammar and vocabulary. They are also a great way of developing students' cognitive abilities helping them to process language in a meaningful way.

Are there any disadvantages to problem-solving activities?

Yes, there are. One of the major problems is that stronger students often dominate the discussions, taking over and giving the less able students little opportunity to contribute. Often, this is due to the need for one person to organize and collate information and ideas. One way around this is to give certain students specific tasks, i.e. someone to 'chair' the discussion, someone to make sure everyone has a turn, etc.

Another disadvantage of this type of activity is that students may become frustrated when trying to solve the problem and, especially if they don't have the language skills in English, will switch to their L1. To avoid this it is important that you, the teacher, consider what language they are likely to need in order to complete the task and to pre-teach any necessary phrases, expressions or vocabulary you think they do not possess. Remember, using a problem-solving activity is not the main focus of your lesson/teaching but simply a way in providing students with a forum for using the language they have learnt.

How do you set up a problem-solving activity?

As with other speaking activities, how you set up the activity will often be the difference between a successful activity and one that doesn't work. The first thing to consider is whether the activity uses the language you want the students to practise. If not, then ask yourself why exactly you are using it. Then, it is important to look at the language that is needed and make sure that you pre-teach any new language before they start the activity. This will help the activity run smoothly with the focus being on solving the problem rather than working out the meaning of any new language. Finally, think about whether you want students to work alone to begin with and then discuss the problem with other students or whether you will start with pair or groupwork. Whenever you decide to use pair or groupwork think about who you get to work together so that there is a balance in each group.

What should I do after the activity?

Just as with roleplays, don't just move onto a different activity. If you move on immediately after the activity and don't at least discuss what happened, then students will often lose interest in problem-solving activities, or at least won't benefit to the full. There needs to be an obvious outcome and a rounding-up of the activity. Opening up the activity to a class discussion where you compare solutions is an obvious follow-up. It is also important that during the activity you note down any mistakes students made with the language and think about how you will tackle these either after the activity or in a subsequent lesson.

Some practical ideas

An opinion problem-solving activity

Here I am going to use the idea I mentioned earlier but give a few variations to show how it can be run in a number of different ways.

Variation 1

Put students in groups of 3-5 and give each group a copy (or copies) of the following handout:

Ask students to talk to each other and make a list of possible solutions. Ask them to also think about what problems they might face/encounter with each solution. i.e. If they stay on the island, where will they sleep and what will they eat? What if there is no food on the island? etc.

Variation 2

Give the students the same handout, but also give them the following options (either as part of the handout or written on the board).

One of you swims to the shore to get help.
Try and make a fire on the island to attract attention.
Find somewhere to sleep for the night and then try and get off in the morning.
Look for the boat and get one person to try and swim to it and bring it back.
All swim back to the shore taking it in turns to help the person who can't swim.

Variation 3

Give the students the same handout, but also give each one a role card with extra information. i.e.

A logical thinking problem-solving activity

A new teacher starts working at school. In her class there are a set of triplets, Ana, Bryan and Carl. Unfortunately, the teacher can't remember which one is which, but she has some notes about the three kids.

She knows that two of the triplets are boys and one is a girl.

Carl, one of the boys, is always calm and patient.

One of the triplets likes playing football and he has a tattoo on his arm.

One of the triplets has red hair, one brown and one blonde.

The triplet who doesn't get angry easily has short blonde hair.

The triplet with red hair has an earring and she likes to sing.

The triplet who has a tattoo gets angry easily.

Can she work out who is who?

Students should be able to work out the answer simply with the information provided, but, if you want to help them you could also give them a set of questions to answer. e.g.

Should the teacher have known which triplet was Ana? Why?
Which triplet likes to sing? How do you know?
What colour is Ana's hair?
What else do you know about Ana?
What kind of person is Carl?
Does he have a tattoo?
How do you know?
What colour is Carl's hair?
Does Carl like football?
Which triplet likes football?

These questions guide students through step-by-step, enabling them to work out the answer.

An information gap problem-solving activity

A simple example of this would be to use the same worksheet as above but cut the information about the triplets into strips, put students in small groups and give each student one or two strips. Tell students they have the information between them but that they must not show their information to the other students in their group.

A new teacher starts working at school. In her class there are a set of triplets, Ana, Bryan and Carl. Unfortunately, the teacher can’t remember which one is which, but she has some notes about the three kids. Can she work out who is who?

One of the triplets likes playing football and he has a tattoo on his arm

The triplet who doesn’t get angry easily has short blonde hair.

British English

Speaking matters: Developing fluency

Speaking matters: developing and dealing with accuracy, speaking matters: assessing speaking, speaking matters: personalization, speaking matters: role-play.

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Tag: problem solving

Another desert island task.

Saw this shared on facebook and just had to repost it, should cause some interesting debates.

Desert Island Problem Solving Speaking Activity

Follow me on twitter @ RobbioDobbio

Before you use these materials… We’ve created a new podcast aimed at B2+ level English students and teachers alike. You can listen for free at our SoundCloud page below. We have released 5 episodes so far and you can download teacher’s notes to accompany them from our Facebook page or from this blog. All comments and feedback welcome! Give us a like and a share 😉

https://www.facebook.com/2tspodcast/

Task handout:

https://skydrive.live.com/redir?resid=79CFF252BEEA0A7D!503&authkey=!ABjaGRY8sNM-iRU

Language handout:

https://skydrive.live.com/redir?resid=79CFF252BEEA0A7D!504&authkey=!AICWqGyfQ2DTrCE

It’s an old classic but as they say, the old ones are the best!

Warm up questions

What’s the most remote place you’ve ever visited?

Did you spend the night there?

Do you like camping?

Have you ever slept under the stars?

Would you consider it?

What’s the most dangerous natural environment you’ve been in? Jungle? Desert?

What things do you always take with you on holiday?

Give out desert island and language handouts and explain the situation.

You have been selected to take part in a social experiment. You and your group will be taken to a desert island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. You will have to survive there for a year without contact with the outside world. The island has:

Fresh water
Banana trees
Coconut palms

The climate is mild (not too hot, not too cold) first individually make a list of 8-10 things you think you will need to survive. Then, as a group you will have to decide on 8 things, list them in order of importance.

Students think of their own personal lists first.

In groups they first list all the possible problems they will encounter, then decide on a list of items that will help with these problems.

Students present their lists to class explaining their decisions.

Students must go into more depth about how their island will work.

Students must decide on:

Roles and responsibilities
Division of labour
Justice / punishment / laws /rules
Decision making

Students present their system to the class, other groups can ask questions.

We’re definitely going to need ________________

__________________ will be vital / essential / extremely useful / completely useless / a waste of space

I can’t live without ____________________

Making Suggestions

I think we should……………….

I reckon we ought to…………………

Why don’t we………………………..

How about / what about + gerund………………………….

Agreeing / Disagreeing

Agreeing	Disagreeing	Ending an argument:

The €100,000 question, conversation topic

Put your students in groups of 3 and ask them the following question:

What would you do with €100,000?

Give them 2 minutes to share their ideas, then have them report each other’s answers to the class. (each person reports someone else from their group’s answer)

Did anyone give it to charity?

Give out the following handout:

https://skydrive.live.com/redir?resid=79CFF252BEEA0A7D!452&authkey=!AB2H6x3IinOC6wE

In their groups students discuss the problem and then present their ideas to the class.

As a wrap up ask the students which suggestions they thought were the best, see if they can come to an agreement as a class on how to give the money away.

A long lost aunt that you didn’t know you had has recently passed away. In her will she left your group €100,000 with a note saying it should be given away to “make the world a better place.” Decide in your groups who you are going to give it to.

I think we should……………….

I reckon we ought to…………………

Why don’t we………………………..

How about / what about + gerund………………………….

35+ ESL Speaking Activities: Engage with Fun for Better Fluency

Updated on June 28, 2024

A H M Ohidujjaman

Affiliate Disclosure : ESL Info participates in affiliate programs, including the Amazon Associate Program. This means we may earn a commission if you make a purchase through links on our site, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting us! Access our full disclosure .

Have you ever found yourself, as an English teacher, scratching your head, trying to come up with new and engaging ESL speaking activities to get your students talking?

You’re not alone. Speaking can be a tough skill to master for ESL learners, but if you can choose the right activities , you can turn this challenge into a fun and interactive learning experience for them.

In this article, you’ll discover 36 popular and effective ESL speaking activities that really work. These activities are designed to get your students talking , whether they’re young learners or adults.

They cover a range of scenarios, from casual chit-chat to formal presentations and everything in between. You can customize these activities based on your teaching methods to engage your specific learners.

So, if you’re on the hunt for fresh ideas to liven up your speaking class and help your students gain confidence in their spoken English, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive in and explore these activities together. Your next great class activity could be just a scroll away!

What is an esl activity.

An ESL activity is a fun and helpful task for people who are learning English as a second language (ESL). These activities help learners practice speaking, listening, reading, and writing in English.

They can include games, conversations, exercises, and role-playing to make learning English enjoyable and easier to understand. For example, playing a word game, having a group discussion, or doing a listening exercise are all types of ESL activities.

What is An ESL Speaking Activity?

An ESL speaking activity is a task that helps people who are learning English as a second language practice talking in English. These activities are designed to make speaking English easier and more natural.

Examples of ESL speaking activities include having a conversation with a partner, role-playing different situations (like ordering food in a restaurant), and playing games that involve speaking, like asking and answering questions. The goal is to help learners become more comfortable and confident when they speak English.

Benefits of Using ESL Speaking Activities

As an ESL teacher, you want to help your learners speak English more confidently and fluently. You also want to make learning fun and engaging so they learn faster. So, you need to look at the benefits of using ESL speaking activities in your class to help your learners achieve their goals.

Using ESL speaking activities has many benefits for people learning English. Here are some of the main benefits:

Practice Speaking : They give you a chance to practice speaking English, which helps you improve your pronunciation and fluency.
Build Confidence : Speaking activities help you feel more confident when talking in English because you get used to using the language in real situations.
Improve Listening : These activities also help you improve your listening skills because you listen to others and understand what they are saying.
Learn New Words : You can learn new words and phrases by talking about different topics and situations.
Fun and Engaging : Speaking activities are often fun and interesting, making it easier and more enjoyable to learn English.
Real-life Practice : They give you practice in real-life situations, like having a conversation, asking for directions, or ordering food.

Overall, ESL speaking activities help you become better at using English in your daily life.

Let’s explore the best ESL speaking activities to make learning fun and engaging.

Show and Tell: Engaging Young Minds

Show and Tell is a classic activity that’s always a hit with young learners . It provides a platform for students to talk about something they’re passionate about, helping them practice their spoken English in a fun, personal way.

Materials Needed: The only materials required for this activity are the items that students choose to bring from home. These could be anything from a favorite toy to a cherished book or a family photo. The key is that the item should hold some significance to the student, giving them plenty to talk about.

Conducting the Activity:

Let students know about the upcoming Show and Tell session well in advance so they have time to select their item and prepare what they want to say.
On the day of the activity, each student takes turns presenting their item to the class.
Students should describe their item, explaining what it is and why it’s important to them. They can also share any interesting stories or facts related to the item.
To help students structure their presentations, you can provide sentence starters such as “This is my…”, “It’s special because…”, or “I feel… when I…”.
After each presentation, encourage the rest of the class to ask questions. This promotes active listening and interaction.

Benefits of the Activity: Show and Tell offers numerous benefits for ESL learners. It:

Helps students practice their descriptive language skills.
Builds confidence in public speaking.
Fosters a sense of community as students learn more about each other.
Develops active listening skills as students engage with their peers’ presentations.
Encourages curiosity and deeper understanding as students learn to ask relevant questions.

Incorporating Show and Tell into your ESL classroom can provide a fun, low-pressure way for students to practice their speaking skills while sharing a bit of their world with their classmates.

Role Play: The Power of Pretend in ESL

Role Play is a dynamic and versatile activity that can be tailored to suit any age group or proficiency level. It involves students acting out different scenarios, which can range from everyday situations like ordering food at a restaurant , to more complex interactions such as job interviews or debates.

Materials Needed: Materials for this activity can vary depending on the scenario you choose. You might need props to set the scene or role cards with character descriptions and objectives. For more complex role plays you might also provide conversation scripts for ordering food.

Choose a scenario that is relevant to your students’ learning objectives and level of proficiency.
Explain the scenario to the students and assign roles. If necessary, provide props, role cards, or scripts.
Give students time to prepare for their roles. They might need to practice certain phrases, plan their dialogue, or think about their character’s motivations.
Have the students act out the scenario in front of the class. Encourage them to stay in character and use English to the best of their ability.
After the role-play, facilitate a class discussion. Ask students about the outcome of the scenario, the language used, and how they could apply what they’ve learned in real-life situations.

Benefits of the Activity: Role Play is a powerful tool in the ESL classroom. It:

Provides a practical context for language use, helping students understand how to use English in real-life situations.
Encourages creativity and improvisation, which can make speaking practice more engaging and fun.
Helps students develop their problem-solving skills as they navigate through the scenario.
Builds confidence as students get comfortable with speaking English in front of others.
Allows for the practice of specific language functions, such as making requests, giving advice, or expressing disagreement, in a controlled environment.

By incorporating Role Play into your lessons, you can provide your students with a safe and supportive space to practice their English speaking skills, while also preparing them for real-world interactions.

Storytelling: Creating Narratives for Language Development

Storytelling is a universal form of communication that can captivate learners of all ages. In the ESL classroom, storytelling activities can help students practice narrative tenses, descriptive language, and sequencing, all while sparking their creativity.

Materials Needed: Materials can vary based on how you choose to conduct the activity. You might need story prompts, picture cards for visual aid, or even digital tools if you’re incorporating multimedia elements.

Depending on your students’ proficiency level, you can provide a story prompt or let them come up with their own ideas.
Give students time to plan their stories. They should think about the characters, setting, and plot. For lower-level students, you can provide a story structure to guide them.
Students then tell their stories to the class. Encourage them to use descriptive language and narrative tenses where appropriate.
After each story, facilitate a brief discussion. Ask the class about the story’s sequence of events, the characters, and the overall narrative. This can reinforce comprehension and narrative skills.

Benefits of the Activity: Storytelling offers numerous benefits for ESL learners. It:

Encourages creativity and imagination, making the learning process more engaging.
Helps students practice narrative tenses and descriptive language in a meaningful context.
Enhances students’ ability to sequence ideas logically.
Builds confidence in speaking as students share their unique stories.
Fosters listening skills as students listen to and discuss each other’s stories.

Incorporating storytelling into your ESL lessons can provide a creative outlet for students while offering ample opportunities for language practice. Whether they’re telling tales of far-off adventures or recounting personal experiences, students will be developing their English skills every step of the way.

Picture Descriptions: Painting with Words

Picture Descriptions is an activity that can be adapted for learners of all ages and proficiency levels. It involves students describing a picture in detail, which can help them practice their descriptive language skills and expand their vocabulary.

Materials Needed: For this activity, you’ll need a variety of pictures. These could be photographs, illustrations, or even comic strips. The pictures should be rich in detail to give students plenty to talk about.

Distribute a picture to each student or pair of students. You can also project a picture on the board for the whole class to describe.
Give students time to look at their picture and think about how they will describe it.
Students then take turns describing their picture to the class. Encourage them to be as detailed as possible, describing not only the main elements but also the colors, shapes, and any actions or emotions they perceive.
After each description, you can facilitate a brief discussion. Ask the class about the details they remember, or have them guess what’s happening in the picture based on the description.

Benefits of the Activity: Picture Descriptions offers several benefits for ESL learners. It:

Helps students practice their descriptive language skills in a focused context.
Expands students’ vocabulary as they learn to describe various elements and scenes.
Enhances students’ observational skills as they learn to notice and describe details.
Builds confidence in speaking as students share their descriptions with the class.
Fosters listening skills as students listen to and discuss each other’s descriptions.

By incorporating Picture Descriptions into your ESL lessons, you can provide a visual context for language practice, making the learning process more engaging and memorable for your students.

Interviews: Peer-to-Peer Learning

Interviews are a great way to get students to talk and listen to each other. This activity can be adapted to any topic, making it versatile for different lessons and proficiency levels. It’s an excellent way for students to practice question formation, active listening, and conversational skills.

Materials Needed: You’ll need a list of interview questions for this activity. These can be prepared in advance by the teacher, or you can have students come up with their own questions. The questions should be open-ended to encourage more than just yes/no answers.

Pair up the students and give each pair a list of interview questions. If students are creating their own questions, give them time to prepare.
One student in each pair takes on the role of the interviewer, while the other is the interviewee.
The interviewer asks the questions, and the interviewee responds. Encourage students to expand on their answers and provide as much detail as possible.
After a set amount of time, have the students switch roles.
Once all interviews are complete, facilitate a class discussion. Students can share interesting things they learned about their partner or discuss any challenges they faced during the activity.

Benefits of the Activity: Conducting interviews in the ESL classroom offers several benefits. It:

Provides a practical context for students to practice question formation and response.
Enhances active listening skills as students engage in one-on-one conversations.
Encourages students to express their thoughts and opinions in English.
Builds confidence in speaking as students interact directly with their peers.

Incorporating interviews into your ESL lessons can provide a real-world context for language practice, helping students improve their conversational skills and build stronger connections with their peers.

Debates: The Art of Argument for Adult ESL Learners

Debates are a powerful tool for advanced language learning, particularly suited to adult learners. They provide a platform for students to practice persuasive language, critical thinking, and active listening, all within the context of a structured argument.

Materials Needed: For a debate, you’ll need a list of debatable topics that are appropriate and engaging for your students. You may also want to prepare some resources or reading materials for students to research their arguments.

Divide the class into pairs or small groups and assign a debate topic to each. Make sure each group is clear on which side of the argument they are on.
Give students time to research their topic and prepare their arguments. They should consider both their points and potential counterarguments.
When it’s time for the debate, each group presents their arguments, alternating between the ‘for’ and ‘against’ sides. Encourage students to rebut and respond to each other’s points.
After the debate, facilitate a class discussion. Ask students to reflect on the arguments presented and the language used.

Benefits of the Activity: Debates offer numerous benefits for ESL learners. They:

Provide a practical context for students to practice persuasive language and argumentation.
Enhance critical thinking skills as students have to construct and deconstruct arguments.
Develop active listening skills as students need to respond to each other’s points.
Build confidence in speaking as students present and defend their arguments.
Encourage students to explore different perspectives on a topic, promoting empathy and understanding.

Incorporating debates into your ESL lessons can provide a dynamic and engaging way for students to practice their English speaking skills. Not only will they be learning to express their ideas more effectively, but they’ll also be developing valuable skills in critical thinking and active listening.

Information Gap Activities: Bridging the Gap

Information Gap activities are a staple in the communicative approach to language teaching. These activities involve students having different pieces of information that they need to share with each other to complete a task. It’s a great way for students to practice asking and answering questions, giving and following directions, and explaining ideas.

Materials Needed: The materials for this activity depend on the specific task. You might need task sheets with different information, maps with missing details, or incomplete diagrams. The key is that each student or pair of students has a piece of the puzzle, and they need to communicate effectively to put it all together.

Divide the class into pairs or small groups and give each a different set of information.
The task is for students to fill in the gaps in their information by communicating with their peers. They should ask questions, give answers, and clarify information as needed.
Once students believe they have completed the task, check their work. If there are any mistakes or missing information, they should go back and continue the activity.
After the activity, facilitate a class discussion. Reflect on the communication strategies used and the language practiced during the activity.

Benefits of the Activity: Information Gap activities offer several benefits for ESL learners. They:

Provide a practical context for students to practice specific language functions, such as asking and answering questions.
Encourage cooperative learning as students work together to complete the task.
Enhance problem-solving and critical thinking skills as students figure out how to obtain the information they need.
Build confidence in speaking as students interact directly with their peers.
Foster active listening skills as students need to understand their peers’ information.

Incorporating Information Gap activities into your ESL lessons can provide a fun and interactive way for students to practice their English speaking skills. They’ll be learning to communicate more effectively while also developing valuable skills in problem-solving and cooperation.

Presentations: Public Speaking in ESL

Presentations are an excellent way for students to practice their public speaking skills in English. They can present on a topic of their choice or one assigned by the teacher, providing an opportunity to practice organizing and expressing their thoughts in a structured format.

Materials Needed: Students will need time to prepare their presentations. They may also need access to resources for research, and materials or technology for visual aids, such as PowerPoint slides or posters.

Assign a topic or let students choose their own. The topic should be appropriate for their proficiency level and relevant to their interests or course content.
Give students time to prepare their presentations. They should think about how to structure their talk, what information to include, and how to make their points clear and engaging.
Students then deliver their presentations to the class. Encourage them to speak clearly, maintain eye contact with the audience, and use their visual aids effectively.
After each presentation, allow time for questions and feedback from the class.

Benefits of the Activity: Presentations offer numerous benefits for ESL learners. They:

Help students practice organizing and expressing their thoughts in English.
Build confidence in public speaking.
Enhance research and planning skills.
Provide an opportunity for students to delve deeper into a topic of interest.
Foster active listening skills as students listen to and discuss each other’s presentations.

Guessing Games: Fun with Descriptions for Young Learners

Guessing Games are a fun and interactive way for young learners to practice their descriptive language skills. In this activity, students describe a person, place, or thing without naming it, and the rest of the class tries to guess what it is.

Materials Needed: You’ll need a set of cards or pictures with different people, places, or things for the students to describe.

Give a card or picture to a student, making sure the rest of the class can’t see it.
The student describes the person, place, or thing on the card without saying its name.
The rest of the class tries to guess what the student is describing.
The game continues with different students taking turns to describe and guess.

Benefits of the Activity: Guessing Games offer several benefits for young ESL learners. They:

Provide a fun and interactive way for students to practice their descriptive language skills.
Encourage creativity as students think of different ways to describe the same thing.
Foster active listening skills as students listen to the descriptions and try to guess the answers.
Build confidence in speaking as students take turns describing and guessing.

News Report: Current Affairs in ESL

Creating a News Report is a dynamic activity that can help students practice formal language and reporting skills. It involves students researching a current event and presenting it as a news report, either individually or in groups. This enables learners to engage in conversations about the news in their daily lives.

Materials Needed: Students will need access to news resources for research. They may also need materials to create their news report, such as paper and pens for a written report, or a camera and microphone for a video report.

Assign a current event or let students choose their own. The event should be appropriate for their proficiency level and relevant to their interests.
Give students time to research the event and prepare their news report. They should think about the key facts of the event, the different perspectives involved, and how to present the information clearly and objectively.
Students then present their news reports to the class. Encourage them to speak clearly, use formal language, and present the information in a balanced way.
After each report, facilitate a class discussion about the event and the language used in the report.

Benefits of the Activity: Creating a News Report offers numerous benefits for ESL learners. They:

Provide a practical context for students to practice formal language and reporting skills.
Enhance research and critical thinking skills as students delve into a current event.
Foster media literacy as students learn to analyze and present news information.
Foster active listening skills as students listen to and discuss each other’s reports.

Problem-Solving : Collaborative Learning in ESL

Problem-Solving activities are a great way to get students working together and communicating in English. These activities involve presenting students with a problem or challenge that they need to solve collaboratively.

Materials Needed: The materials for this activity will depend on the problem you set. You might need puzzle pieces, task cards with the problem scenario, or physical materials for a building challenge.

Divide the class into small groups and present each group with the same problem or challenge. This could be a riddle to solve, a mystery to unravel, or a structure to build.
Students work together to solve the problem, discussing their ideas and strategies in English.
Once the groups have completed the task, have them present their solutions to the class. Encourage them to explain their thought process and the steps they took to solve the problem.
Facilitate a class discussion about the different solutions and the language used during the activity.

Benefits of the Activity: Problem-Solving activities offer several benefits for ESL learners. They:

Encourage collaborative learning as students work together to solve a problem.
Provide a practical context for students to practice their English speaking skills.
Enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Build confidence in speaking as students interact with their peers and present their solutions.
Foster active listening skills as students listen to and discuss each other’s solutions.

The Mystery Bag: Sensory Language Practice

The Mystery Bag is a fun and interactive activity for practicing sensory language and descriptive skills. It involves students feeling an object in a bag and describing it to the rest of the class, who then try to guess what it is.

Materials Needed: For this activity, you’ll need a bag and a variety of objects with different shapes, sizes, and textures.

Place an object in the bag without showing it to the class.
Have a student feel the object in the bag without looking. The student then describes the object to the class, focusing on its size, shape, texture, weight, and any other sensory details.
The rest of the class listens to the description and tries to guess what the object is.
The game continues with different students and objects.

Benefits of the Activity: The Mystery Bag offers several benefits for ESL learners. It:

Provides a fun and interactive way for students to practice their descriptive language skills.
Encourages creativity as students think of different ways to describe the same object.
Fosters active listening skills as students listen to the descriptions and try to guess the answers.
Builds confidence in speaking as students take turns describing and guessing.

Playing 20 Questions: Inquisitive Minds at Play

Playing 20 Questions is a classic game that’s perfect for practicing question formation and critical thinking skills. In this game, one student thinks of a person, place, or thing, and the rest of the class asks up to 20 yes/no questions to figure out what it is.

Materials Needed: No specific materials are needed for this activity, although you might choose to use picture cards or word cards to provide ideas for the students.

One student thinks of a person, place, or thing, or chooses one from a card if you’re using them.
The rest of the class takes turns asking yes/no questions to figure out what the student is thinking of. They can ask up to 20 questions.
The game continues until the class guesses correctly or they run out of questions.

Benefits of the Activity: Playing 20 Questions offers several benefits for ESL learners. It:

Provides a practical context for students to practice question formation.
Enhances critical thinking skills as students have to think strategically about their questions.
Fosters active listening skills as students listen to the answers and adjust their guesses accordingly.

Speeches: Formal Language Practice

Giving speeches is a valuable activity for more advanced ESL students. It provides an opportunity to practice formal language, public speaking, and the organization of ideas. Speech topics can range from personal experiences to persuasive arguments on current issues.

Materials Needed: Students will need time and resources to prepare their speeches. Depending on the topic, they may need to conduct research. They may also need notecards for their speaking notes or technology for any visual aids they want to use.

Give students time to prepare their speeches. They should think about how to structure their speech, what points they want to make, and how to support their ideas.
Students then deliver their speeches to the class. Encourage them to speak clearly, maintain eye contact with the audience, and use their visual aids effectively.
After each speech, allow time for questions and feedback from the class.

Benefits of the Activity: Giving speeches offers numerous benefits for ESL learners. It:

Provides a practical context for students to practice formal language and public speaking.
Enhances research and planning skills.
Builds confidence in speaking in front of others.
Fosters active listening skills as students listen to and discuss each other’s speeches.

Dialogue Journals: Interactive Learning

Dialogue Journals are written conversations between the teacher and student. While not a speaking activity per se, they can help students develop their conversational skills, grammar, and vocabulary in a low-pressure environment.

Materials Needed: Each student will need a journal for this activity. This could be a physical notebook or a digital document, depending on your preference.

Each student starts by writing an entry in their journal. They can write about their day, ask questions, or respond to a prompt that you give them.
You then read each student’s entry and write a response. Your response should model correct language use and may include comments, answers to questions, or further questions to keep the conversation going.
The activity continues back and forth like this over time, creating an ongoing written dialogue.

Benefits of the Activity: Dialogue Journals offer several benefits for ESL learners. They:

Provide a low-pressure environment for students to practice their English.
Allow for individualized instruction as you can tailor your responses to each student’s needs.
Enhance writing and reading skills alongside conversational skills.
Foster a sense of connection between you and the student.

Charades: Non-Verbal Communication for Young Learners

Charades is a fun and interactive game that can help young learners practice their English vocabulary and sentence structure. In this game, students act out a word or phrase without speaking, and the rest of the class tries to guess what it is.

Materials Needed: You’ll need a set of cards with words or phrases for the students to act out. These could be verbs (like “jump” or “eat”), animals (like “cat” or “elephant”), or even simple sentences (like “I brush my teeth”).

One student chooses a card and acts out the word or phrase without speaking or making any sound.
The rest of the class watches and tries to guess the word or phrase. They should guess by making full sentences (like “Are you jumping?” or “Is it a cat?”).
The game continues with different students taking turns to act and guess.

Benefits of the Activity: Charades offers several benefits for young ESL learners. It:

Provides a fun and interactive way for students to practice their English vocabulary and sentence structure.
Encourages creativity and physical movement, which can help keep young learners engaged.
Fosters active listening skills as students listen to the guesses and adjust their acting accordingly.
Builds confidence in speaking as students take turns guessing in full sentences.

Listening and Drawing: Visualizing Language

Listening and Drawing is an engaging activity that helps students practice their listening comprehension and following instructions in English. In this activity, students listen to a description or a set of instructions and draw what they hear.

Materials Needed: Students will need paper and drawing materials for this activity. You’ll need a script or a set of instructions to read out.

Students start with a blank piece of paper. You read out a description or a set of instructions for something to draw.
Students listen carefully and draw what they hear. They should not ask questions or confirm their understanding during the activity.
Once the drawing is complete, students can compare their drawings and discuss any differences. You can also reveal the original image or intended result for comparison.

Benefits of the Activity: Listening and Drawing offers several benefits for ESL learners. It:

Provides a fun and interactive way for students to practice their listening comprehension.
Helps students practice following instructions in English.
Encourages creativity and visual thinking.
Fosters active listening skills as students need to pay close attention to the details.
Builds confidence as students see the results of their listening skills.

Story Retelling: Reinforcing Narrative Skills

Story Retelling is a powerful activity to reinforce narrative skills, comprehension, and memory. In this activity, students listen to a story and then retell it in their own words.

Materials Needed: You’ll need a story for this activity. This could be a short story, a chapter from a book, or a story that you tell orally. The story should be appropriate for the students’ proficiency level.

Read the story to the class or have them read it individually.
Once they’ve heard or read the story, students take turns retelling it in their own words. They should try to include the main events and characters, but they can also add their own interpretations or details.
After each retelling, facilitate a class discussion about the story and the different ways it was retold.

Benefits of the Activity: Story Retelling offers several benefits for ESL learners. It:

Helps students practice narrative skills and comprehension.
Enhances memory and recall as students have to remember and retell the story.
Encourages creativity as students add their own interpretations or details.
Fosters active listening skills as students listen to and discuss each other’s retellings.
Builds confidence in speaking as students share their retellings with the class.

Find Someone Who: Interactive Icebreaker

Find Someone Who is a popular icebreaker activity that gets students up and moving. It involves students finding classmates who match certain criteria, providing a fun and interactive way for students to practice their question-asking and answering skills.

Materials Needed: You’ll need a worksheet with a list of criteria for this activity. The criteria could be things like “Find someone who has a pet” or “Find someone who has been to another country”.

Give each student a worksheet and explain the activity. Students will walk around the room and ask their classmates questions to find someone who matches each criterion.
Students interact with each other, asking questions and responding in English. They should try to find a different person for each criterion.
Once students have found someone who matches each criterion, they can sit down. You can then facilitate a class discussion about what they learned about their classmates.

Benefits of the Activity: Find Someone Who offers several benefits for ESL learners. It:

Provides a fun and interactive way for students to practice their question-asking and answering skills.
Helps students get to know each other, fostering a sense of community in the class.
Encourages movement and active learning.
Fosters active listening skills as students need to listen to and understand their classmates’ responses.

Discussion Circles: Group Conversations in ESL

Discussion Circles are a great way to get students talking about a topic in depth. In this activity, students sit in a circle and discuss a topic, question, or text, providing a structured yet flexible way to practice conversational English.

Materials Needed: You’ll need a discussion topic or question for this activity. This could be a controversial statement, a thought-provoking question, or a text that students have read.

Arrange the students in a circle and present the discussion topic or question.
Students take turns speaking, giving their opinions, responding to each other, and asking follow-up questions. Encourage them to use appropriate discussion language and to listen actively when they’re not speaking.
As the teacher, you can participate in the discussion, but try to let the students do most of the talking. You can also guide the discussion by asking probing questions or bringing up new points.
After the discussion, facilitate a class reflection. Reflect on the content of the discussion as well as the language used.

Benefits of the Activity: Discussion Circles offer several benefits for ESL learners. They:

Provide a structured yet flexible context for students to practice conversational English.
Enhance critical thinking skills as students discuss a topic in depth.
Foster active listening skills as students respond to each other’s points.
Build confidence in speaking as students express their opinions and ideas.
Encourage respect for different perspectives as students hear a variety of viewpoints.

Book Club: Literature in ESL

A Book Club can be a wonderful way for students to engage with English literature and practice their speaking skills. Students read a book (or a chapter of a book) and then discuss it in class, providing an opportunity to explore themes, characters, plot, and language in depth.

Materials Needed: You’ll need copies of the book for each student. Choose a book that is appropriate for your students’ proficiency level and interests.

Assign a book or a chapter for students to read before the class.
In class, facilitate a discussion about the book. Ask open-ended questions about the plot, characters, themes, and language. Encourage students to share their opinions and respond to each other’s comments.
After the discussion, you can focus on specific language points from the book, such as vocabulary, grammar structures, or literary devices.

Benefits of the Activity: A Book Club offers several benefits for ESL learners. It:

Provides a context for students to explore English literature and culture.
Enhances reading comprehension and critical thinking skills.
Fosters active listening skills as students respond to each other’s comments.
Builds confidence in speaking as students express their opinions and ideas.
Encourages a love of reading in English.

Dictation: Listening and Repeating

Dictation is a classic language learning activity that can help students practice their listening comprehension, spelling, and grammar. In this activity, you read a sentence or a short paragraph aloud, and students write down exactly what they hear.

Materials Needed: You’ll need a script for this activity. This could be a sentence, a paragraph, or a short text, depending on your students’ proficiency level.

Choose a script that is appropriate for your students’ proficiency level and relevant to your lesson content.
Read the script aloud at a normal pace. Students listen and write down what they hear.
Repeat the script a few times, allowing students to fill in any gaps or correct any mistakes.
Once the dictation is complete, reveal the written script. Students can then check their work and discuss any difficulties or challenges they faced.

Benefits of the Activity: Dictation offers several benefits for ESL learners. It:

Helps students practice their listening comprehension in a focused way.
Enhances spelling and grammar skills as students have to write down exactly what they hear.
Provides a quiet, focused activity that can balance out more interactive or noisy activities.

Travel Agency Activity: Planning and Persuasion

The Travel Agency activity is a fun and interactive way for students to practice their persuasive language skills. In this activity, students work in pairs or small groups to plan a trip and then try to persuade the rest of the class to join their tour.

Materials Needed: You’ll need resources for students to research their trip, such as travel brochures, internet access, or travel books. You might also want to provide poster paper and markers for students to create their travel advertisements.

Divide the class into pairs or small groups and assign each a destination. The destination could be a city, a country, or a type of trip (like a beach vacation or a cultural tour).
Students research their destination and plan a trip, including the itinerary, accommodations, and attractions.
Students then create a travel advertisement for their trip and present it to the class, trying to persuade their classmates to join their tour.
After all the presentations, the class votes on which trip they would most like to join.

Benefits of the Activity: The Travel Agency activity offers several benefits for ESL learners. It:

Provides a practical context for students to practice persuasive language.
Builds confidence in speaking as students present their trip to the class.
Fosters active listening skills as students listen to and evaluate each other’s presentations.
Encourages creativity and teamwork as students work together to plan their trip and create their advertisement.

Job Interview Role-Plays: Preparing for the Real World

Job Interview Role-Plays are a valuable activity for more advanced ESL students. They provide an opportunity to practice formal language, answer common interview questions, and discuss career-related topics.

Materials Needed: You’ll need role-play cards for this activity. These should include a job description and a list of common interview questions.

Divide the class into pairs and give each a role-play card. One student will be the interviewer and the other will be the job applicant.
Students prepare for their roles, with the applicant thinking about how to answer the interview questions and the interviewer thinking about what they’re looking for in a candidate.
Students then act out their role-play. After each role-play, facilitate a class discussion about the interview, the language used, and how to prepare for a job interview in English.

Benefits of the Activity: Job Interview Role-Plays offer several benefits for ESL learners. They:

Provide a practical context for students to practice formal language and job interview skills.
Enhance students’ understanding of job interviews and career-related topics.
Build confidence in speaking as students act out different roles.
Foster active listening skills as students respond to each other in the role-play.
Prepare students for real-world situations, such as job interviews in English.

Story Cubes: Narrative Skills for Young Learners

Story Cubes are a fun and creative way for young learners to practice their narrative skills. In this activity, students roll dice with pictures on each face and then create a story based on the pictures that come up.

Materials Needed: You’ll need a set of story cubes for this activity. These are dice with different pictures on each face. If you don’t have story cubes, you can make your own with regular dice and a list of pictures corresponding to each number.

One student rolls the story cubes and looks at the pictures that come up.
The student then creates a story that includes all of the pictures. They can make the story as imaginative and creative as they like.
The game continues with different students rolling the cubes and telling their stories.

Benefits of the Activity: Story Cubes offer several benefits for young ESL learners. They:

Provide a fun and creative way for students to practice their narrative skills.
Enhance creativity and imagination as students create their own stories.
Build confidence in speaking as students tell their stories to the class.
Foster active listening skills as students listen to and respond to each other’s stories.

Discussion Circles: The Power of Group Discussion

Podcast creation: modern learning for adult learners.

Creating a podcast is a modern and engaging way for adult learners to practice their English skills. In this activity, students work in pairs or small groups to create a podcast episode on a topic of their choice.

Materials Needed: Students will need a recording device for this activity. This could be a smartphone, a computer with a microphone, or a dedicated audio recorder. They’ll also need a topic for their podcast episode.

Divide the class into pairs or small groups and assign each a topic for their podcast episode. The topic should be something they’re interested in and can research.
Students research their topic and plan their podcast episode. They should think about what points they want to make, who will say what, and how to engage their listeners.
Students then record their podcast episode. They can do this in one take or edit together multiple takes for a more polished result.
Once the podcasts are complete, have a listening party where you play each podcast and discuss them as a class.

Benefits of the Activity: Creating a podcast offers several benefits for adult ESL learners. It:

Provides a modern and engaging context for students to practice their English skills.
Builds confidence in speaking as students record their podcast episodes.
Fosters active listening skills as students listen to and discuss each other’s podcasts.
Encourages digital literacy skills as students record and edit their podcasts.

Picture Story Activity: Sequential Storytelling

The Picture Story activity is a fun and creative way for students to practice their narrative skills and sequential language. In this activity, students arrange pictures to create a story and then tell the story to the class.

Materials Needed: You’ll need a set of pictures for this activity. The pictures should be able to be arranged in different ways to create different stories. I’ve written a complete guide on creating story sequencing pictures with ChatGPT and given away all the necessary prompts you use with little effort.

Divide the class into pairs or small groups and give each a set of pictures.
Students arrange the pictures to create a story. They should think about the sequence of events, the characters, and the plot.
Students then tell their story to the class, using the pictures as a guide.
After each story, facilitate a class discussion about the story and the language used.

Benefits of the Activity: The Picture Story activity offers several benefits for ESL learners. It:

Provides a fun and creative way for students to practice their narrative skills and sequential language.
Enhances creativity and imagination as students create their own stories.
Builds confidence in speaking as students tell their stories to the class.
Fosters active listening skills as students listen to and respond to each other’s stories.

Surveys: Data Collection and Discussion

Conducting surveys is a practical way for students to practice their question-asking and data-interpretation skills. In this activity, students create a survey, collect data from their classmates, and then discuss the results.

Materials Needed: Students will need paper and pens for this activity. They might also need resources to research their survey topic.

Divide the class into pairs or small groups and assign each a survey topic. The topic should be something they can collect data on from their classmates.
Students create a survey with a variety of question types, such as yes/no questions, multiple-choice questions, and open-ended questions.
Students then conduct their survey, asking their classmates the questions and recording their answers.
Once the surveys are complete, students analyze the data and present their findings to the class.

Benefits of the Activity: Conducting surveys offers several benefits for ESL learners. It:

Provides a practical context for students to practice their question-asking and data-interpretation skills.
Enhances research and analytical skills.
Builds confidence in speaking as students conduct their surveys and present their findings.
Fosters active listening skills as students respond to the survey questions and listen to the presentations.

Movie Reviews: Critical Thinking in Action

Writing and discussing movie reviews is a fun way for students to practice their critical thinking and persuasive language skills. In this activity, students watch a movie, write a review, and then discuss their reviews in class.

Materials Needed: You’ll need a movie for this activity. Choose a movie that is appropriate for your students’ proficiency level and interests. Students will also need paper and pens to write their reviews.

Assign a movie for students to watch before the class. This could be for homework or you could watch the movie together in class if time allows.
After watching the movie, students write a review. They should include a summary of the movie, their opinion of it, and reasons to support their opinion.
In class, students share their reviews and discuss the movie. Facilitate a discussion about the different opinions and the language used in the reviews.
You can use conversation questions to facilitate the discussions.

Benefits of the Activity: Writing and discussing movie reviews offers several benefits for ESL learners. It:

Provides a fun context for students to practice their critical thinking and persuasive language skills.
Enhances writing skills as students write their reviews.
Builds confidence in speaking as students share their reviews and discuss the movie.
Fosters active listening skills as students listen to and respond to each other’s reviews.

I Spy: Observation and Description

I Spy is a classic game that can be adapted for the ESL classroom to practice observation and descriptive language. In this activity, one student describes something they can see, and the other students guess what it is.

Materials Needed: This activity doesn’t require any specific materials. You can play it in the classroom using the objects and people that are present.

One student chooses something in the room and says “I spy with my little eye something that…” and then gives a description. The description could be about the color, size, shape, or function of the object.
The other students take turns guessing what the object is. The student who guesses correctly gets to describe the next object.

Benefits of the Activity: I Spy offers several benefits for ESL learners. It:

Provides a fun and interactive way for students to practice their observation and descriptive language skills.
Enhances vocabulary as students describe and guess different objects.
Builds confidence in speaking as students describe objects and guess what others are describing.
Fosters active listening skills as students listen to the descriptions and guesses.

Mock Trial Activity: Legal Language in Practice

A Mock Trial is a dynamic activity for more advanced ESL students to practice legal language and persuasive speaking. In this activity, students take on the roles of lawyers, witnesses, and jurors in a simulated trial.

Materials Needed: You’ll need a case for the trial. This could be a real case, a fictional case, or a simplified version of a complex case. You’ll also need role cards with character descriptions and information about the case.

Divide the class into roles and give each student a role card. The roles could include lawyers, witnesses, jurors, and a judge.
Students prepare for the trial, with the lawyers preparing their arguments and questions, the witnesses preparing their testimonies, and the jurors preparing to listen and make a decision.
Conduct the trial, with the lawyers presenting their cases, the witnesses giving their testimonies, and the jurors listening and making a decision.
After the trial, facilitate a class discussion about the trial, the language used, and the legal concepts involved.

Benefits of the Activity: A Mock Trial offers several benefits for ESL learners. It:

Provides a practical context for students to practice legal language and persuasive speaking.
Enhances students’ understanding of legal concepts and courtroom procedures.
Builds confidence in speaking as students take on different roles.
Fosters active listening skills as students respond to each other in the trial.
Encourages critical thinking as students prepare their roles and make decisions during the trial.

Describing a Process: Sequential Language Practice

Describing a Process is a useful activity for students to practice sequential language and technical vocabulary. In this activity, students describe a process, such as cooking a recipe, assembling a piece of furniture, or conducting a science experiment.

Materials Needed: You’ll need a process for students to describe. This could be a recipe, assembly instructions, a science experiment procedure, or any other process that involves a sequence of steps.

Assign a process for students to describe. This could be for homework or you could describe the process together in class.
Students describe the process, using sequential language and the appropriate technical vocabulary. They should try to make their description as clear and detailed as possible.
After the descriptions are complete, facilitate a class discussion about the process, the language used, and any difficulties or challenges in describing the process.

Benefits of the Activity: Describing a Process offers several benefits for ESL learners. It:

Provides a practical context for students to practice sequential language and technical vocabulary.
Enhances students’ understanding of process and procedure.
Builds confidence in speaking as students describe a process in detail.
Fosters active listening skills as students listen to and discuss the process descriptions.

Board Games: Learning through Play in ESL

Board Games are a fun and interactive way for students to practice English in a relaxed setting. In this activity, students play a board game, using English to discuss the game, make decisions, and interact with each other.

Materials Needed: You’ll need a board game for this activity. Choose a game that involves some level of language use, such as Scrabble, Pictionary, or a trivia game.

Divide the class into small groups and give each a board game.
Students play the game, using English to discuss the game, make decisions, and interact with each other.
After the game, facilitate a class discussion about the game, the language used, and any new vocabulary or phrases that were learned.

Benefits of the Activity: Playing Board Games offers several benefits for ESL learners. It:

Provides a fun and relaxed context for students to practice English.
Enhances a variety of language skills, depending on the game.
Encourages cooperative learning as students play together.
Builds confidence in speaking as students interact in a low-pressure setting.
Fosters active listening skills as students respond to each other during the game.

Cultural Exchange: Broadening Horizons in ESL

Activity Description: The Cultural Exchange activity is a fantastic way for students to learn about different cultures and practice their speaking skills. In this activity, students research a specific culture and present their findings to the class. This could be their own culture, the culture of an English-speaking country, or any other culture that interests them.

Materials Needed: Students will need resources to research their chosen culture. This could be books, internet access, or even interviews with people from that culture.

Assign each student (or pair/group of students) a culture to research. This could be assigned by you, or students could choose their own.
Students research their chosen culture, focusing on aspects such as traditions, customs, food, language, history, and more.
Students prepare a presentation about their chosen culture. This could be a spoken presentation, a poster, a slideshow, or even a demonstration of a cultural activity.
Students present their findings to the class. Encourage the class to ask questions and engage in a discussion about each culture.

Benefits of the Activity: The Cultural Exchange activity offers several benefits for ESL learners. It:

Provides a meaningful context for students to practice their research and speaking skills.
Enhances students’ global awareness and understanding of different cultures.
Builds confidence in speaking as students present their findings to the class.
Fosters active listening skills as students listen to and discuss each other’s presentations.
Encourages respect for diversity and an appreciation for different cultures.

Question to Question: Transforming Statements into Questions

Question to Question is an engaging and thought-provoking activity designed to enhance ESL learners’ questioning and speaking skills. By transforming their own statements into questions, students gain a deeper understanding of sentence structure and improve their ability to communicate in English.

Materials Needed: The only materials required for this activity are the list of questions provided by the teacher and a notebook or paper for students to write their answers and subsequent questions. The questions can be related to various topics like daily routines , hobbies , favorite things, or personal experiences.

Let students know about the upcoming Question to Question session well in advance, and explain its purpose. Provide the list of questions in advance to allow students to think about and prepare their answers.
On the day of the activity, each student individually answers the list of questions. Encourage them to write detailed responses, as this will make the next step easier and more meaningful.
After answering the questions, students will set aside the original list and create questions from their own statements. For example, if a student’s answer to “What is your favorite hobby?” is “My favorite hobby is painting,” they will transform it into the question, “What is my favorite hobby?”
In pairs or small groups, students take turns presenting their original statements and the questions they derived. They should explain their thought process and how they converted each answer into a question. This promotes deeper understanding and reinforces learning.
To encourage interaction, have students ask follow-up questions to their peers based on the new questions generated. This fosters a dynamic and engaging discussion.

Benefits of the Activity: Question to Question offers numerous benefits for ESL learners. It:

Enhances question formation skills.
Improves understanding of sentence structure.
Boosts confidence in speaking.
Fosters critical thinking.
Encourages peer interaction.

Incorporating Question to Question into your ESL classroom offers a unique and effective way for students to practice speaking and question formation skills while engaging with their peers in a meaningful and enjoyable manner.

Choosing the right ESL speaking activities for your ESL class can make a big difference in your students’ engagement and progress. Consider your students’ proficiency level, interests, and learning goals when choosing activities.

Remember that variety is key – a mix of quiet and noisy activities, individual and group work, and different types of language practice will keep your classes interesting and effective. Happy teaching!

FAQs on ESL Speaking Activities

1. What are ESL speaking activities?

ESL speaking activities are tasks that help students practice speaking English in a structured and enjoyable way. These activities can include conversations, role-playing, games, discussions, and presentations. They are designed to improve students’ fluency, pronunciation, and confidence in using English.

2. Why are ESL speaking activities important?

ESL speaking activities are important because they provide students with opportunities to practice speaking English in a safe and supportive environment. This practice helps students improve their fluency, pronunciation, and ability to communicate effectively in English. It also boosts their confidence, making them more willing to use English in real-life situations.

3. How often should I use ESL speaking activities in my lessons?

It’s beneficial to incorporate ESL speaking activities into every lesson. Even dedicating a few minutes to speaking practice in each class can significantly help students improve their speaking skills. Regular practice ensures that students are continuously developing their ability to communicate in English.

4. Can ESL speaking activities be used with beginners?

Yes, ESL speaking activities can be adapted for all proficiency levels, including beginners. For beginners, use simple vocabulary and short, easy-to-understand sentences. Activities like basic conversations, simple role-playing, and using visual aids can help beginners practice speaking in a manageable and encouraging way.

5. How can I make ESL speaking activities fun?

To make ESL speaking activities fun, use games, role-playing, and topics that interest your students. Incorporating elements of competition, such as team-based games or challenges, can also make activities more engaging. Using real-life scenarios that students can relate to, like ordering food in a restaurant or asking for directions, adds relevance and enjoyment to the practice.

6. What if my students are too shy to speak?

If students are too shy to speak, start with low-pressure activities, such as pair work or small group discussions, where they can speak without the whole class listening. Encourage participation by creating a supportive atmosphere, praising their efforts, and gradually increasing the complexity of the activities as their confidence grows.

7. How can I correct mistakes during speaking activities?

When correcting mistakes, focus on being gentle and positive. Instead of interrupting students, note common errors and address them after the activity. Provide specific feedback and model correct usage. Praise their attempts to speak and gently guide them towards improvement without making them feel embarrassed or discouraged.

8. Can ESL speaking activities help with listening skills?

Yes, ESL speaking activities also improve listening skills. When students engage in conversations or role-playing, they must listen carefully to their partners to respond appropriately. This dual focus on speaking and listening helps reinforce their overall communication skills in English.

9. How do I choose topics for ESL speaking activities?

Choose topics that are interesting and relevant to your students’ lives. Ask them about their interests, hobbies, and daily experiences. Topics related to current events, popular culture, and everyday scenarios can make the activities more engaging and meaningful for students.

10. Can technology be used for ESL speaking activities?

Yes, technology can enhance ESL speaking activities. Use language learning apps, online games, and video chat platforms to create interactive and dynamic speaking opportunities. Recording tools can also help students practice and review their speaking, while online forums and discussion boards can provide additional platforms for practice.

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Problem Solving Games, Activities & Exercises for Adults

By: Angela Robinson | Updated: February 13, 2024

Here is our list of the best problem solving games, activities and exercises for adults.

Problem solving games are activities that require players to use critical thinking skills to solve puzzles. Example activities include escape rooms, Sudoku, and murder mysteries. The purpose of these exercises is to sharpen reasoning and decision-making skills in group settings and to do team building with employees.

These activities are a subset of remote team games , found in problem solving books , and are similar to team puzzles , team building brain teasers and team riddles .

This article contains:

team building problem solving activities for employees
free problem solving games for adults
virtual problem solving activities for students
group problem solving activities
problem solving team builders

Here we go!

List of problem solving games & activities

From word and number puzzles to role-playing games, here is a list of inexpensive and free problem solving team builders that help groups practice the art of critical thinking and compromise.

1. Espionage! (Team Favorite)

For an exciting game of social deduction, check out Espionage! This thrilling experience will put your team’s wits and instincts to the test.

Espionage! offers the following:

a 90-minute session led by an experienced host
undercover teams of agents and spies
challenging puzzles, tasks, and maneuvers
team conversations to help uncover secret identities

The best part is we will bring all the necessary game materials to your preferred location. If you are interested in boosting communication and critical-thinking skills within your team, then consider Espionage!

Learn more about Espionage!

2. Art Heist: The Vanishing of Van Gogh (Hosted)

You can turn your team into skilled detectives with Art Heist: The Vanishing of Van Gogh! In this captivating mystery, participants will locate the stolen artwork, The Bedroom .

Key features of this experience include:

a 90-minute adventure led by a world-class host
detailed puzzles, clues, and mysteries to unravel
trails of evidence and hidden secrets
group discussions to find the art

Additionally, you can include a cocktail kit to spice up your event. Through Art Heist, you will enhance your team’s ingenuity and problem-solving skills!

Learn more about Art Heist: The Vanishing of Van Gogh .

Get our free team building toolbox

icebreaker games
bingo cards

3. War of the Wizards (Popular)

With War of the Wizards, teams roleplay as minions of powerful wizards to vanquish forces of evil. Participants will play thrilling games and go on a quest to restore harmony to the realm!

War of the Wizards offers the following:

a 90-minute journey guided by a distinguished host
immersive storytelling that transports players into a magical realm
engaging activities like world-building, role-playing games, and storytelling
opportunities for forming alliances, facing challenges, and going on quests

Through the power of imagination and teamwork, your team can overcome tasks and participate in an epic fantasy battle. To improve communication and bonds, include War of the Wizards in your agenda!

Learn more about War of the Wizards .

Sudoku is one of the most popular free problem solving games for adults. The objective of this game is to fill each box of a 9×9 grid so that every row, column, and letter contains each number from one to nine. The puzzle makes a great team challenge. To play Sudoku on Zoom, screen share the game board. Then, turn on the annotation features. Using the add text functions, participants can fill in the numbers on the grid.

We made a starter puzzle you can use in your next meeting or virtual team bonding session:

Here are more online Sudoku puzzles .

5. Crossword puzzles

Crossword puzzles are word games that ask players to fill in words based on clues. Words interconnect, and players must think critically about the surrounding words to select the right phrase for the space.

You can use an online crossword puzzle maker to create a custom puzzle. Here are a few themes you may want to consider:

teammates’ tastes and interests
company knowledge and history
industry terms and trends

Or, create a miscellaneous puzzle just for fun.

We made a sample puzzle you can use for your game:

To complete puzzles during online meetings, you can use the share screen function and add text through annotations.

Or, subscribers can play the New York Times’ daily crossword puzzle virtually . Dictionary.com also offers a free daily online crossword puzzle .

Check out more vocabulary games .

6. Online Escape Rooms

Escape rooms are timed games that get groups working together to solve puzzles. Traditionally, players enter a locked room and must complete all puzzles in an hour or two to unlock the door. However, groups can also play escape rooms online.

Digital escape rooms typically come in one of two forms: in a Zoom room and led by a host, or in a choose-your-own adventure format via Google Forms or websites. To play escape rooms virtually, enter a video meeting and follow the prompts, or screen share the Google Form and work out the puzzles together.

Check out our full list of online escape rooms .

7. Murder Mysteries

Murder Mysteries are story-based games that ask players to take on the roles of suspects or detectives while trying to identify a killer. These games often involve reading lines from a script, searching for clues, and occasionally solving puzzles to get hints.

These games make participants pay attention to conversations, analyze other characters’ behavior, and search for hidden meaning in the script. Players must use their powers of observation and logic to unravel the mystery.

Check out our list of Zoom murder mystery games .

8. Treasure Hunts

Treasure hunts are scavenger hunts with intention. While virtual scavenger hunts often ask players to collect random items, treasure hunts require participants to locate clues that lead to other prompts and hints. The game typically ends with players finding a treasure or solving a mystery, sometimes both.

The treasure hunt can have a specific theme such as secret agent missions or a hunt for pirate treasure, or you can run a more general hunt. Teammates can either compete simultaneously via Zoom call, or can play the hunt on an app individually and compete to beat each other’s scores.

Check out our list of treasure hunt apps .

9. Poem or story challenge

Most team building problem solving activities for employees revolve around science, math, and logic. Poem/story challenges rely on writing skills and are sure to appeal to the language lovers on your team.

Each player receives a limited word bank to use to create a story or poem. Then, players have a few minutes to craft their pieces. Afterward, everyone reads out or screen shares their creations.

Here are a few word challenge activities you can do remotely:

Found poems or stories : Participants make poems or stories out of words they find by visiting websites, searching emails, glancing out the window, or taking a walk or drive around the neighborhood.
Random word generators : Teammates use a random word generator to populate a word bank, and must use each word in the poem or story.
Poetry magnets : Group members make poems using poetry magnets. You can send poetry magnet sets to employees and assemble the verses on a cookie pan during a Zoom call. Or, teammates can play with poetry magnets online .
Page poems: Participants receive one page of a book or magazine, and must make a poem or story by blocking out other words so only the chosen text remains visible. This activity is part storytelling, part art, since story crafters can illustrate the pages as part of the design.
Ransom note stories or poems : Players cut out letters from magazines and must form new words to make poems and stories. Or, players can receive a mix of random letters, form words, and run the text through a ransom note generator .

These activities are suitable for teams and individual players.

10. Moral challenge

Some problems are ethical rather than factual. Moral judgment plays just as important a role in the decision-making process as technical prowess. Players can flex their moral problem-solving skills by tackling ethical dilemmas or social puzzles.

Here are some social problem solving games online:

Moral machine
Scruples – the game of moral dilemmas
Morality play

To play these games, either download the apps, or pull up the website and then screen share the prompts. These games are best played when discussed as a group, because the more belief systems and opinions, the harder an issue is to resolve. These exercises provide practice for real-life conflict resolution.

You can find similar challenges on our list of online personality tests .

11. Frostbite

Frostbite is a group game that hones team leaders’ communication skills while sharpening teammates’ listening and cooperation skills. The premise behind the game is that a group of explorers gets caught in a snowstorm and must build a shelter. Frostbite has paralyzed the leaders’ hands and snow-blinded the rest of the team. The leader must give the team instructions to build a tent that can resist arctic winds.

To play Frostbite, each teammate wears a blindfold. Then, the leader gives directions. Once the structures are complete, players turn on a fan to test whether tents can withstand the wind.

Frostbite is usually an in-person game, however you can also play virtually. In the remote version of the game, teammates construct tents out of cards and tape, while the leader surveys the scene on screen.

This exercise demonstrates the challenges of leading remotely, as teams need to operate with minimal oversight or supervisor observation. Therefore, instructions need to be clear and direct to be effective.

Check out more team building games .

12. Virtual Hackathons

Hackathons are events where participants have a set amount of time to design and pitch a new product or solution. This type of event originated in the programming world and is often used to create new apps, however you can apply the game to any industry or school subject.

Virtual hackathons are online versions of the event. Teams enter the competition, then work with each other via virtual meeting software or remote work communication platforms to design the solution. At the end of the competition, teams pitch ideas to a panel of judges and a winner is decided.

To run a virtual hackathon, first announce the theme of the event and collect sign-ups. So that no teams work ahead, hint at the general idea of the issue, and only explain the precise problem when the event begins. Then, give teams anywhere from a few hours to a few days to complete the project.

Discover more virtual hackathon ideas .

13. Improv games

Improv games are excellent problem solving activities. These exercises force participants to think and respond quickly to keep scenes moving in a logical and entertaining way.

Here are some good problem solving improv games:

Banned words : Performers cannot say certain words. Scene partners will conceive of situations that encourage the actors to use those words, and the actors must find alternatives, such as using synonyms or taking the scene in a new direction.

Scenes from a chat : Audience gives a suggestion for a scene, and players act the scene out. Though it’s a fictional and often ridiculous scenario, actors must react to the situation and solve the problem in order for the scene to end.

Miracle cure : Miracle cure is a quick-moving exercise that follows a simple format. One player declares, “I have a problem.” Another player responds, “I have a….[random object.]” The first player then replies, “great! I can use the [random object] to….” and describes how they will solve the problem.

Check out more problem-solving improv games .

14. Spaghetti Tower

The spaghetti tower is a classic team building game. Participants gather uncooked spaghetti and marshmallows, and must construct the tallest freestanding tower.

During the in-person version, players must construct one tall freestanding tower. However, for the virtual version of the game, players construct individual towers. You can send groups to breakout rooms for the build, then reconvene in the main room for judging. Teams are judged on three main factors: number of towers, height, and uniformity.

This version of the game not only tests the structural integrity of the tower, but also consistency and quality control. This exercise teaches teams to align and collaborate remotely, and produce a consistent product even when far apart.

15. What Would You Do?

What Would You Do? is a simple situational game that challenges participants to react to different circumstances. To play this game, read prompts one by one, and then ask participants to respond with gameplans. You can use the polling or raise hand feature to vote for the best option.

Here are some problem solving scenarios for adults or kids to use in the game:

Zombies attack and you have to find a place to hide.
You are at the zoo and the animals escape. Which one do you try to corral back into the pen first?
After waiting in line for hours, someone cuts in front of you last minute. The person appears to be visually and hearing impaired, and doesn’t notice your protests. An official announces that due to diminishing supply, this individual will be the last in line to be served.
You are eating a meal with important clients and/or your partner’s parents, and you want to impress. The individuals make you a dish that does not fit within your dietary restrictions, but you do not speak the same language and cannot explain why you do not want to eat.
An imposter has infiltrated the organization, who looks, speaks, and behaves exactly like you. How do you convince your peers that you are the original?

For similar dilemmas, check out this list of Would You Rather? questions.

16. Desert Island Survival

Desert Island Survival is a game that challenges players to prioritize. The premise is that players have been stranded on an island, and must decide what order to perform survival steps.

Here are the possible actions:

Set up shelter
Explore the island
Try to signal for help
Make weapons for self-defense
Build a raft to escape the island
Start a fire
Choose a group leader
Search for other survivors

All group members must agree on the order of the steps. Players should explain the reasoning for the order of each step while ranking the actions.

Another version of the game involves players receiving a list of 15 to 20 items, and selecting five or so to bring to the island. You can also vary the location of the game, substituting remote islands for destinations like outer space or the distant past.

17. Choose Your Own Adventure

Choose Your Own Adventure stories enable readers to determine the outcome of the story by making decisions. Each action has a consequence that takes the tale in a different direction. Participants can try to guess how the story may unfold by talking through the different choices. When completing the activity in a group setting, the majority of the team must agree on an action before moving forward in the story.

There are a few ways to facilitate these activities online:

Play an online role playing video game
Watch an interactive movie like Black Mirror: Bandersnatch
Read from a Choose Your Own Adventure book on Zoom
Click through a Choose Your Own Adventure platform
Create your own story using a Google Form

Whichever way you choose to do the exercise, you can use the screen share feature in your virtual meeting software so that listeners can more easily follow along.

18. MacGyver

MacGyver is a show where the hero escapes sticky situations by improvising tools out of unlikely materials. For example, in one episode the hero makes a telescope out of a newspaper, magnifying lens, and a watch crystal.

To play MacGyver, you can either list three to five objects participants can use, or challenge players to use items that are within arms reach.

Simply state a desired end result, such as “a way to open a locked door,” or “a getaway vehicle,” and then ask teams to explain what they will build and how they will build it. To make the activity more collaborative, you can give teams five or ten minutes in breakout rooms to strategize and design a prototype.

19. Dungeons & Dragons

Dungeons & Dragons is a roleplaying game where players pretend to be magical figures and creatures. One player serves as the dungeon master, who guides the game, while the other players pick characters and make decisions to move the story forward. Upon choosing a course of action, players roll a twenty-sided die to determine whether or not the plan succeeds. The game is story-based, the possibilities are nearly limitless, and truly creative problem solving options arise. Also, since gameplay is mostly verbal, Dungeons & Dragons is an easy activity to do over Zoom.

Here are the basic rules for Dungeons & Dragons .

20. Pandemic

Pandemic is a game that pits players against the forces of nature in a race to contain and control disease outbreaks. At the beginning of the game, each player receives a role such as containment specialist or operations expert. Participants must carry out the duties of their roles by choosing appropriate actions. Pandemic is a great game for groups because each team member has a clear part to play, and players must collaborate and work together instead of competing against each other.

To play the game online, you can use a Pandemic game app , or talk through the exercise while one attendee moves and displays pieces on the board.

Note: The subject of this game might hit too close to home for some players, considering recent history. You can find games with similar mechanics that deal with different subject matter, such as Forbidden Island.

Check out more team building board games .

21. Model UN

Model UN is one of the best virtual problem solving activities for students. This exercise casts participants in the role of international diplomats who must negotiate to solve realistic problems. Each player assumes the role of a country ambassador and must form alliances and propose solutions to solve crises.

Here are some sample Model UN scenarios:

Human rights violation by powerful country
Food shortage
Disease epidemic
Technology privacy violations
Civil war branching into surrounding countries
Natural disasters

Depending on the size of the group, participants either take on the part of an entire government of a country, or play a certain role within the government. To carry out the activity on Zoom, players can take turns giving speeches, message other countries privately via the chat, meet in breakout rooms to form alliances or have more intimate discussions, and use the polling feature to vote on propositions.

If politics does not resonate with your group, then you can alter the exercise by applying the same activity structure to a different theme, such as the Justice League, movie characters, business board members, or reality TV stars.

The main purpose of the exercise is to research, talk through problems, and compromise. As long as these elements are present, then the specifics of the setup do not matter.

There are many types of problem solving activities for adults. You can do online problem solving games, which require a different skill set than in-person problem solving. For instance, communication must be much clearer and more abundant when group members are far apart and unable to demonstrate or pick up physical cues.

Though many problem solving games include props and in-person elements, there are many games you can play together online. These exercises work well as educational tools as well as team bonding accelerators. Upon completion, participants are likely to feel a sense of accomplishment and increased confidence. These games are also great practice for real life conflict resolution, creative thinking and team building.

Next check out this list of connection games , this collection of crime-solving games , and this post with conflict resolution games .

We also have a list of the best decision making books and a list of team building problems for work .

Book wildly fun team building events with expert hosts

FAQ: Problem solving activities

Here are common answers to questions about group problem solving activities.

What are problem solving games?

Problem solving games are challenges that ask players to think critically and use logic to overcome issues or answer riddles. Examples include sudoku, murder mysteries, and spaghetti towers. These games are also known as “problem solving exercises”, “problem and solution games” and “group problem solving activities.”

What are the best problem solving games for groups?

The best problem solving games for groups include online escape rooms, moral challenges, and improv games.

What are some good problem solving team building activities for students?

Some good problem solving activities for students include crossword puzzles, choose your own adventure stories, and model UN.

How do you play problem solving games online?

The best way to play problem solving games online is to join a video call meeting to talk through the issue. Using the screen sharing and digital whiteboard features helps participants visualize the problem more clearly. Breakout rooms give teams the chance to discuss the issue more intimately.

Author: Angela Robinson

Marketing Coordinator at teambuilding.com. Angela has a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing and worked as a community manager with Yelp to plan events for businesses.

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></center></p><h2>13 Problem-Solving Activities & Exercises for Your Team</h2><ul><li>May 22, 2024</li><li>Project Management</li><li>22 min read</li></ul><p><center><img style=

Are you looking to enhance your or your team’s problem-solving abilities? Engaging in activities specifically designed to stimulate your and your team’s critical thinking skills can be an excellent way to sharpen your problem-solving prowess. Whether you enjoy puzzles, brain teasers, or interactive challenges, these activities provide an opportunity to overcome obstacles and think creatively.

By immersing yourself in problem-solving activities, you can develop valuable strategies, improve your decision-making abilities, and boost your overall problem-solving IQ.

One key aspect of successful problem-solving is ensuring clear and effective communication, such as when teams use critical tools available online. For example, testing emails for deliverability and using an email spam checker to avoid spam filters can improve team efficiency. Try Maileroo’s free mail tester to validate your email campaigns effectively. Get ready to unlock your full potential and tackle any challenge that comes your way with these exciting activities for problem-solving.

In this article, we will explore activities for problem-solving that can help enhance your team’s problem-solving skills, allowing you to approach challenges with confidence and creativity.

What Are Problem Solving Activities?

Problem-solving activities or problem-solving exercises are interactive games requiring critical thinking to solve puzzles. They enhance teamwork & critical thinking. Examples include building towers, navigating simulated challenges, and fostering creativity and communication.

For instance, imagine a team working together to construct the tallest tower using limited materials. They strategize, communicate ideas, and problem-solve to create the best structure, promoting collaboration and inventive thinking among team members.

Some widely practiced problem-solving activities include:

A Shrinking Vessel: Teams must fit into a shrinking space, testing their cooperation and adaptability.
Marshmallow Spaghetti Tower: Participants build a tower using marshmallows and spaghetti, promoting creative engineering.
Egg Drop: Protecting an egg from a fall challenges problem-solving skills.
Desert Island Survival: Teams simulate survival scenarios, encouraging creative solutions.
Rolling Dice: A simple yet effective game involving chance and decision-making.
Build a Tower: Constructing a stable tower with limited resources fosters teamwork and innovation, etc.

13 Easy Activities For Problem-Solving Ideas to Enhance Team Collaboration

Team building activities offer a great opportunity to test problem-solving abilities and promote effective collaboration within a group to problem solving group activities. By engaging in these activities, teams can break the monotony of the workplace and create a more inclusive and welcoming environment.

Here are nine easy-to-implement activities that can bring substantial change to your team culture and overall workplace dynamics.

#1. Crossword Puzzles

Objective: To enhance problem-solving skills, vocabulary, and cognitive abilities through engaging crossword puzzles.

Estimated Time: 15-20 Minutes

Materials Needed:

Crossword puzzle sheets
Pens or pencils
Distribute crossword puzzle sheets and pens/pencils to each participant.
Explain the rules of crossword puzzles and the goal of completing as many clues as possible within the given time.
Participants individually or in pairs work on solving the crossword puzzle by filling in the correct words.
Encourage critical thinking, word association, and collaborative discussions for solving challenging clues.
At the end of the time limit, review the answers and discuss any interesting or challenging clues as a group.
Enhanced Problem-Solving: Participants engage in critical thinking while deciphering clues, promoting effective problem-solving skills.
Vocabulary Expansion: Exposure to new words and phrases within the crossword improves vocabulary and comprehension.
Cognitive Stimulation: The mental exercise of solving the puzzle stimulates the brain, enhancing cognitive abilities.
Team Collaboration: If done in pairs, participants practice collaboration and communication to solve clues together.
Achievement and Motivation: Successfully completing the crossword brings a sense of accomplishment and motivates individuals to explore more puzzles.

Tips for Facilitators:

Provide varying levels of crossword puzzles to accommodate different skill levels.
Encourage participants to share strategies for solving challenging clues.
Emphasize the fun and educational aspects of the activity to keep participants engaged.

#2. A Shrinking Vessel

Estimated Time: 10-15 Minutes

Materials Needed: A rope and a ball of yarn
Prepare the Setting: Lay a rope on the floor in a shape that allows all team members to stand comfortably inside it. For larger teams, multiple ropes can be used, dividing them into smaller groups.
Enter the Circle: Have all team members stand inside the rope, ensuring that nobody steps outside its boundaries.
Shrinking the Circle: Begin gradually shrinking the rope’s size, reducing the available space inside the circle.
Adapt and Maintain Balance: As the circle shrinks, team members must make subtle adjustments to maintain their positions and balance within the shrinking area.
The Challenge: The objective for the team is to collectively brainstorm and find innovative ways to keep every team member inside the circle without anyone stepping outside.
Collaboration and Communication: The activity promotes teamwork and open communication as participants strategize to stay within the shrinking circle.
Adaptability: Team members learn to adapt swiftly to changing circumstances, fostering agility and flexibility.
Creative Problem-Solving: The challenge encourages inventive thinking and brainstorming to find unique solutions.
Trust Building: By relying on each other’s actions, participants build trust and cohesion among team members.
Time-Efficient: The short duration makes it an ideal icebreaker or energizer during meetings or workshops.
Observe and Facilitate: Monitor the team’s dynamics and offer guidance to encourage equal participation and effective problem-solving.
Encourage Verbalization: Prompt participants to voice their ideas and collaborate vocally, aiding in real-time adjustments.
Debrief Thoughtfully: Engage the team in a discussion afterward, reflecting on strategies employed and lessons learned.
Emphasize Adaptability: Highlight the transferable skill of adaptability and its significance in both professional and personal contexts.

#3. Human Knots

Objective: Improving Collaboration & enhancing Communication Skills

Estimated Time: 15-20 minutes

Materials: None required

Procedure:

Organize your team into a compact circle. For more sizable teams, subdivide them into smaller clusters, with each cluster forming its own circle.
Direct each individual to grasp the hands of two other people in the circle, with the exception of those positioned directly adjacent to them. This action will result in the formation of a complex “human knot” within the circle.
Present the challenge to the group: to unravel themselves from this entanglement while maintaining their hold on each other’s hands. If preferred, you can establish a specific time limit.
Observe the team members collaborating to unravel the knot, witnessing their collective effort to devise solutions and free themselves from the intricate puzzle.
Team Cohesion: The activity encourages team members to interact closely, promoting bonding and understanding among participants.
Effective Communication: Participants practice clear and concise communication as they coordinate movements to untangle the knot.
Problem-Solving: The challenge stimulates creative thinking and problem-solving skills as individuals work collectively to find the optimal path for untangling.
Adaptability: Participants learn to adapt their actions based on the evolving dynamics of the human knot, fostering adaptability.
Trust Building: As individuals rely on each other to navigate the intricate knot, trust and cooperation naturally develop.
Set a Positive Tone: Create an inclusive and supportive atmosphere, emphasizing that the focus is on collaboration rather than competition.
Encourage Verbalization: Urge participants to articulate their intentions and listen to others’ suggestions, promoting effective teamwork.
Observe Group Dynamics: Monitor interactions and step in if needed to ensure everyone is actively engaged and included.
Reflect and Share: Conclude the activity with a debriefing session, allowing participants to share their experiences, strategies, and key takeaways.
Vary Grouping: Change group compositions for subsequent rounds to enhance interactions among different team members.

#4. Egg Drop

Helps With: Decision Making, Collaboration

A carton of eggs
Construction materials (balloons, rubber bands, straws, tape, plastic wrap, etc.)
A suitable location for the activity
Assign each team a single egg and random construction materials.
Teams must create a carrier to protect the egg from breaking.
Drop the carriers one by one and increase the height if necessary to determine the most durable carrier.
The winning team is the one with the carrier that survives the highest drop.
Decision Making: Participants engage in critical decision-making processes as they select construction materials and determine carrier designs.
Collaboration: The activity necessitates collaboration and coordination among team members to construct an effective carrier.
Problem-Solving: Teams apply creative problem-solving skills to devise innovative methods for safeguarding the egg.
Risk Management: Participants learn to assess potential risks and consequences while making design choices to prevent egg breakage.
Celebrating Success: The victorious team experiences a sense of accomplishment, boosting morale and promoting a positive team spirit.
Provide Diverse Materials: Offer a wide range of construction materials to stimulate creativity and allow teams to explore various design options.
Set Safety Guidelines: Prioritize safety by specifying a safe drop height and ensuring participants follow safety protocols during construction.
Encourage Brainstorming: Prompt teams to brainstorm multiple carrier ideas before finalizing their designs, fostering diverse perspectives.
Facilitate Reflection: After the activity, lead a discussion where teams share their design strategies, challenges faced, and lessons learned.
Highlight Collaboration: Emphasize the significance of teamwork in achieving success, acknowledging effective communication and cooperation.

As a teamwork activity, Egg Drop can help team members solve problems through collaboration and communication.

Each team can design and customize their own balloons and can display their team logo, slogan, or elements related to team culture through custom balloons . Awards can also be set up, such as the most creative balloon design, the strongest frangipani structure, etc., to increase the motivation for competition and participation.

After the activity, team sharing and feedback can be conducted to allow everyone to share their learning experience and feelings about teamwork.

This combination allows team members to experience the importance of teamwork in creativity and practice, and strengthen team cohesion by completing challenges and sharing experiences.

#5. Marshmallow Spaghetti Tower

Helps With: Collaboration

Estimated Time: 20-30 Minutes

Materials Needed (per team):

Raw spaghetti: 20 sticks
Marshmallow: 1
String: 1 yard
Masking tape: 1 roll
Tower Construction: Instruct teams to collaborate and utilize the provided materials to construct the tallest tower possible within a designated time frame.
Marshmallow Support: Emphasize that the tower must be capable of standing independently and supporting a marshmallow at its highest point.
Prototype and Iterate: Encourage teams to engage in prototyping and iteration, testing different design approaches and refining their tower structures.
T eamwork and Communication: Promote effective teamwork and communication as team members coordinate their efforts to build a stable and tall tower.
Evaluation Criteria: Evaluate each tower based on its height, stability, and the successful placement of the marshmallow at the top.
Collaboration: Participants collaborate closely, sharing ideas and working together to design and construct the tower.
Innovative Thinking: The activity encourages innovative thinking as teams experiment with different strategies to build a stable tower.
Time Management: Teams practice time management skills as they work within a specified time limit to complete the task.
Problem-Solving: Participants engage in creative problem-solving to address challenges such as balancing the marshmallow and constructing a sturdy tower.
Adaptability: Teams adapt their approaches based on trial and error, learning from each iteration to improve their tower designs.
Set Clear Guidelines: Clearly explain the materials, objectives, and evaluation criteria to ensure teams understand the task.
Foster Creativity: Encourage teams to think outside the box and explore unconventional methods for constructing their towers.
Emphasize Collaboration: Highlight the importance of effective communication and teamwork to accomplish the task successfully.
Time Management: Remind teams of the time limit and encourage them to allocate their time wisely between planning and construction.
Reflect and Share: Facilitate a discussion after the activity, allowing teams to share their design choices, challenges faced, and lessons learned.

Objective: To engage participants in the strategic and analytical world of Sudoku, enhancing logical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Estimated Time: 20-25 Minutes

Sudoku puzzle sheets
Pencils with erasers
Distribute Sudoku puzzle sheets and pencils to each participant.
Familiarize participants with the rules and mechanics of Sudoku puzzles.
Explain the goal: to fill in the empty cells with numbers from 1 to 9 while adhering to the rules of no repetition in rows, columns, or subgrids.
Encourage participants to analyze the puzzle’s layout, identify potential numbers, and strategically fill in cells.
Emphasize the importance of logical deduction and step-by-step approach in solving the puzzle.
Provide hints or guidance if needed, ensuring participants remain engaged and challenged.
Logical Thinking: Sudoku challenges participants’ logical and deductive reasoning, fostering analytical skills.
Problem-Solving: The intricate interplay of numbers and constraints hones problem-solving abilities.
Focus and Patience: Participants practice patience and attention to detail while gradually unveiling the solution.
Pattern Recognition: Identifying number patterns and possibilities contributes to enhanced pattern recognition skills.
Personal Achievement: Successfully completing a Sudoku puzzle provides a sense of accomplishment and boosts confidence.
Offer varying levels of Sudoku puzzles to cater to different skill levels.
Encourage participants to share strategies and techniques for solving specific challenges.
Highlight the mental workout Sudoku provides and its transferable skills to real-life problem-solving.

Helps With: Communication, Problem-solving, & Management

A lockable room
5-10 puzzles or clues
Hide the key and a set of clues around the room.
Lock the room and provide team members with a specific time limit to find the key and escape.
Instruct the team to work together, solving the puzzles and deciphering the clues to locate the key.
Encourage efficient communication and effective problem-solving under time pressure.
Communication Skills: Participants enhance their communication abilities by sharing observations, ideas, and findings to collectively solve puzzles.
Problem-solving Proficiency: The activity challenges teams to think critically, apply logical reasoning, and collaboratively tackle intricate challenges.
Team Management: The experience promotes effective team management as members assign tasks, prioritize efforts, and coordinate actions.
Time Management: The imposed time limit sharpens time management skills as teams strategize and allocate time wisely.
Adaptability: Teams learn to adapt and adjust strategies based on progress, evolving clues, and time constraints.
Clear Introduction: Provide a concise overview of the activity, emphasizing the importance of communication, problem-solving, and time management.
Diverse Challenges: Offer a mix of puzzles and clues to engage various problem-solving skills, catering to different team strengths.
Supportive Role: Act as a facilitator, offering subtle guidance if needed while allowing teams to independently explore and solve challenges.
Debriefing Session: Organize a debriefing session afterward to discuss the experience, highlight successful strategies, and identify areas for improvement.
Encourage Reflection: Encourage participants to reflect on their teamwork, communication effectiveness, and problem-solving approach.

#8. Frostbite for Group Problem Solving Activities

Helps With: Decision Making, Trust, Leadership

An electric fan
Construction materials (toothpicks, cardstock, rubber bands, sticky notes, etc.)
Divide the team into groups of 4-5 people, each with a designated leader.
Blindfold team members and prohibit leaders from using their hands.
Provide teams with construction materials and challenge them to build a tent within 30 minutes.
Test the tents using the fan to see which can withstand high winds.
Decision-Making Proficiency: Participants are exposed to critical decision-making situations under constraints, allowing them to practice effective and efficient decision-making.
Trust Development: Blindfolding team members and relying on the designated leaders fosters trust and collaboration among team members.
Leadership Skills: Designated leaders navigate the challenge without hands-on involvement, enhancing their leadership and communication skills.
Creative Problem Solving: Teams employ creative thinking and resourcefulness to construct stable tents with limited sensory input.
Team Cohesion: The shared task and unique constraints promote team cohesion and mutual understanding.
Role of the Facilitator: Act as an observer, allowing teams to navigate the challenge with minimal intervention. Offer assistance only when necessary.
Clarity in Instructions: Provide clear instructions regarding blindfolding, leader restrictions, and time limits to ensure a consistent experience.
Debriefing Session: After the activity, conduct a debriefing session to discuss team dynamics, leadership approaches, and decision-making strategies.
Encourage Communication: Emphasize the importance of effective communication within teams to ensure smooth coordination and successful tent construction.
Acknowledge Creativity: Celebrate creative solutions and innovative approaches exhibited by teams during the tent-building process.

#9. Dumbest Idea First

Helps With: Critical Thinking & Creative Problem Solving Activity

Estimated Time: 15-20 Minutes

Materials Needed: A piece of paper, pen, and pencil

Problem Presentation: Introduce a specific problem to the team, either a real-world challenge or a hypothetical scenario that requires a solution.
Brainstorming Dumb Ideas: Instruct team members to quickly generate and jot down the most unconventional and seemingly “dumb” ideas they can think of to address the problem.
Idea Sharing: Encourage each participant to share their generated ideas with the group, fostering a relaxed and open atmosphere for creative expression.
Viability Assessment: As a team, review and evaluate each idea, considering potential benefits and drawbacks. Emphasize the goal of identifying unconventional approaches.
Selecting Promising Solutions: Identify which seemingly “dumb” ideas could hold hidden potential or innovative insights. Discuss how these ideas could be adapted into workable solutions.
Divergent Thinking: Participants engage in divergent thinking, pushing beyond conventional boundaries to explore unconventional solutions.
Creative Exploration: The activity sparks creative exploration by encouraging participants to let go of inhibitions and embrace imaginative thinking.
Critical Analysis: Through evaluating each idea, participants practice critical analysis and learn to identify unique angles and aspects of potential solutions.
Open Communication: The lighthearted approach of sharing “dumb” ideas fosters open communication, reducing fear of judgment and promoting active participation.
Solution Adaptation: Identifying elements of seemingly “dumb” ideas that have merit encourages participants to adapt and refine their approaches creatively.
Safe Environment: Foster a safe and non-judgmental environment where participants feel comfortable sharing unconventional ideas.
Time Management: Set clear time limits for idea generation and sharing to maintain the activity’s energetic pace.
Encourage Wild Ideas: Emphasize that the goal is to explore the unconventional, urging participants to push the boundaries of creativity.
Facilitator Participation: Participate in idea generation to demonstrate an open-minded approach and encourage involvement.
Debriefing Discussion: After the activity, facilitate a discussion on how seemingly “dumb” ideas can inspire innovative solutions and stimulate fresh thinking.

This activity encourages out-of-the-box thinking and creative problem-solving. It allows teams to explore unconventional ideas that may lead to unexpected, yet effective, solutions.

#10: Legoman

Helps With: Foster teamwork, communication, and creativity through a collaborative Lego-building activity.

Estimated Time: 20-30 minutes

Lego bricks
Lego instruction manuals

Procedure :

Divide participants into small teams of 3-5 members.
Provide each team with an equal set of Lego bricks and a Lego instruction manual.
Explain that the goal is for teams to work together to construct the Lego model shown in the manual.
Set a time limit for the building activity based on model complexity.
Allow teams to self-organize, build, and collaborate to complete the model within the time limit.
Evaluate each team’s final model compared to the manual’s original design.
Enhanced Communication: Participants must communicate clearly and listen actively to collaborate effectively.
Strengthened Teamwork: Combining efforts toward a shared goal promotes camaraderie and team cohesion.
Creative Problem-Solving: Teams must creatively problem-solve if pieces are missing or instructions unclear.
Planning and Resource Allocation: Following instructions fosters planning skills and efficient use of resources.
Sense of Achievement: Completing a challenging build provides a sense of collective accomplishment.
Encourage Participation: Urge quieter members to contribute ideas and take an active role.
Highlight Teamwork: Emphasize how cooperation and task coordination are key to success.
Ensure Equal Engagement: Monitor group dynamics to ensure all members are engaged.
Allow Creativity: Permit modifications if teams lack exact pieces or wish to get creative.
Focus on Enjoyment: Create a lively atmosphere so the activity remains energizing and fun.

#11: Minefield

Helps With: Trust, Communication, Patience

Materials Needed: Open space, blindfolds

Mark a “minefield” on the ground using ropes, cones, or tape. Add toy mines or paper cups.
Pair up participants and blindfold one partner.
Position blindfolded partners at the start of the minefield. Direct seeing partners to verbally guide them through to the other side without hitting “mines.”
Partners switch roles once finished and repeat.
Time partnerships and provide prizes for the fastest safe crossing.
Trust Building: Blindfolded partners must trust their partner’s instructions.
Effective Communication: Giving clear, specific directions is essential for navigating the minefield.
Active Listening: Partners must listen closely and follow directions precisely.
Patience & Support: The exercise requires patience and encouraging guidance between partners.
Team Coordination: Partners must work in sync, coordinating movements and communication.
Test Boundaries: Ensure the minefield’s size accommodates safe movement and communication.
Monitor Interactions: Watch for dominant guidance and ensure both partners participate fully.
Time Strategically: Adjust time limits based on the minefield size and difficulty.
Add Obstacles: Introduce additional non-mine objects to increase challenge and communication needs.
Foster Discussion: Debrief afterward to discuss communication approaches and trust-building takeaways.

#12: Reverse Pyramid

Helps With: Teamwork, Communication, Creativity

Materials Needed: 36 cups per group, tables

Form small groups of 5-7 participants.
Provide each group with a stack of 36 cups and a designated building area.
Explain the objective: Build the tallest pyramid starting with just one cup on top.
Place the first cup on the table, and anyone in the group can add two cups beneath it to form the second row.
From this point, only the bottom row can be lifted to add the next row underneath.
Cups in the pyramid can only be touched or supported by index fingers.
If the structure falls, start over from one cup.
Offer more cups if a group uses all provided.
Allow 15 minutes for building.

Teamwork: Collaborate to construct the pyramid.

Communication: Discuss and execute the building strategy.

Creativity: Find innovative ways to build a tall, stable pyramid.

Clarify Expectations: Emphasize the definition of a pyramid with each row having one less cup.

Encourage Perseverance: Motivate groups to continue despite challenges.

Promote Consensus: Encourage groups to work together and help each other.

Reflect on Failure: Use collapses as a metaphor for overcoming obstacles and improving.

Consider Competitions: Modify the activity for competitive teams and scoring.

#13: Stranded

Helps With: Decision-making, Prioritization, Teamwork

Materials Needed: List of salvaged items, paper, pens

Present a scenario where teams are stranded and must prioritize items salvaged from a plane crash.
Provide teams with the same list of ~15 salvaged items.
Instruct teams to agree on an item ranking with #1 being the most important for survival.
Teams share and compare their prioritized lists. Identify differences in approach.
Discuss what factors influenced decisions and how teams worked together to agree on priorities.
Critical Thinking: Weighing item importance requires analytical thinking and discussion.
Team Decision-Making: Coming to a consensus fosters team decision-making capabilities.
Prioritization Skills: Ranking items strengthen prioritization and justification abilities.
Perspective-Taking: Understanding different prioritizations builds perspective-taking skills.
Team Cohesion: Collaborating toward a shared goal brings teams closer together.
Encourage Discussion: Urge teams to discuss all ideas rather than allow single members to dominate.
Be Engaged: Circulate to listen in on team discussions and pose thought-provoking questions.
Add Complexity: Introduce scenarios with additional constraints to expand critical thinking.
Highlight Disagreements: When priorities differ, facilitate constructive discussions on influencing factors.
Recognize Collaboration: Acknowledge teams that demonstrate exceptional teamwork and communication.

Now let’s look at some common types of problem-solving activities.

Types of Problem-Solving Activities

The most common types of problem-solving activities/exercises are:

Creative problem-solving activities
Group problem-solving activities
Individual problem-solving activities
Fun problem-solving activities, etc.

In the next segments, we’ll be discussing these types of problem-solving activities in detail. So, keep reading!

Creative Problem-Solving Activities

Creative problem solving (CPS) means using creativity to find new solutions. It involves thinking creatively at first and then evaluating ideas later. For example, think of it like brainstorming fun game ideas, discussing them, and then picking the best one to play.

Some of the most common creative problem-solving activities include:

Legoman: Building creative structures with LEGO.
Escape: Solving puzzles to escape a room.
Frostbite: Finding solutions in challenging situations.
Minefield: Navigating a field of obstacles.

Group Problem-Solving Activities

Group problem-solving activities are challenges that make teams work together to solve puzzles or overcome obstacles. They enhance teamwork and critical thinking.

For instance, think of a puzzle-solving game where a group must find hidden clues to escape a locked room.

Here are the most common group problem-solving activities you can try in groups:

A Shrinking Vessel
Marshmallow Spaghetti Tower
Cardboard Boat Building Challenge
Clue Murder Mystery
Escape Room: Jewel Heist
Escape Room: Virtual Team Building
Scavenger Hunt
Dumbest Idea First

Individual Problem-Solving Activities

As the name suggests, individual problem-solving activities are the tasks that you need to play alone to boost your critical thinking ability. They help you solve problems and stay calm while facing challenges in real life. Like puzzles, they make your brain sharper. Imagine it’s like training your brain muscles to handle tricky situations.

Here are some of the most common individual problem-solving activities:

Puzzles (jigsaw, crossword, sudoku, etc.)
Brain teasers
Logic problems
Optical illusions
“Escape room” style games

Fun Problem-Solving Activities

Fun problem-solving activities are enjoyable games that sharpen your critical thinking skills while having a blast. Think of activities like the Legoman challenge, escape rooms, or rolling dice games – they make problem-solving exciting and engaging!

And to be frank, all of the mentioned problem-solving activities are fun if you know how to play and enjoy them as all of them are game-like activities.

Team Problems You Can Address Through Problem Solving Activities

Fun problem-solving activities serve as dynamic tools to address a range of challenges that teams often encounter. These engaging activities foster an environment of collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking, enabling teams to tackle various problems head-on. Here are some common team problems that can be effectively addressed through these activities:

Communication Breakdowns:

Activities like “Escape,” “A Shrinking Vessel,” and “Human Knots” emphasize the importance of clear and effective communication. They require teams to work together, exchange ideas, and devise strategies to accomplish a shared goal. By engaging in these activities, team members learn to communicate more efficiently, enhancing overall team communication in real-world situations.

Lack of Trust and Cohesion:

Problem-solving activities promote trust and cohesiveness within teams. For instance, “Frostbite” and “Marshmallow Spaghetti Tower” require teams to collaborate closely, trust each other’s ideas, and rely on each member’s strengths. These activities build a sense of unity and trust, which can translate into improved teamwork and collaboration.

Innovative Thinking:

“Dumbest Idea First” and “Egg Drop” encourage teams to think outside the box and explore unconventional solutions. These activities challenge teams to be creative and innovative in their problem-solving approaches, fostering a culture of thinking beyond traditional boundaries when faced with complex issues.

Decision-Making Challenges:

Activities like “Onethread” facilitate group decision-making by providing a platform for open discussions and collaborative choices. Problem-solving activities require teams to make decisions collectively, teaching them to weigh options, consider different viewpoints, and arrive at informed conclusions—a skill that is transferable to real-world decision-making scenarios.

Leadership and Role Clarification:

Activities such as “Frostbite” and “Egg Drop” designate team leaders and roles within groups. This provides an opportunity for team members to practice leadership, delegation, and role-specific tasks. By experiencing leadership dynamics in a controlled setting, teams can improve their leadership skills and better understand their roles in actual projects.

Problem-Solving Strategies:

All of the problem-solving activities involve the application of different strategies. Teams learn to analyze problems, break them down into manageable components, and develop systematic approaches for resolution. These strategies can be adapted to real-world challenges, enabling teams to approach complex issues with confidence.

Team Morale and Engagement:

Participating in engaging and enjoyable activities boosts team morale and engagement. These activities provide a break from routine tasks, energize team members, and create a positive and fun atmosphere. Elevated team morale can lead to increased motivation and productivity.

The incentives of event prizes can further stimulate the enthusiasm and participation of team members. The choice of prizes is crucial, as it can directly affect the attractiveness and participation of the event. Among them, Medals are essential prizes.

Medals are symbols of honor awarded to winners and represent the value and achievement of an event.

Medals also have a motivational effect, they encourage team members to pursue higher achievements and progress.

Medals are artistic and aesthetic. They are usually designed by designers according to different occasions and themes and have high collection value.

By incorporating these fun problem-solving activities, teams can address a variety of challenges, foster skill development, and build a more cohesive and effective working environment. As teams learn to collaborate, communicate, innovate, and make decisions collectively, they are better equipped to overcome obstacles and achieve shared goals.

The Benefits of Problem Solving Activities for Your Team

#1 Better Thinking

Problem-solving activities bring out the best in team members by encouraging them to contribute their unique ideas. This stimulates better thinking as team managers evaluate different solutions and choose the most suitable ones.

For example, a remote team struggling with communication benefited from quick thinking and the sharing of ideas, leading to the adoption of various communication modes for improved collaboration.

#2 Better Risk Handling

Team building problem solving activities condition individuals to handle risks more effectively. By engaging in challenging situations and finding solutions, team members develop the ability to respond better to stressful circumstances.

#3 Better Communication

Regular communication among team members is crucial for efficient problem-solving. Engaging in problem-solving activities fosters cooperation and communication within the team, resulting in better understanding and collaboration. Using tools like OneThread can further enhance team communication and accountability.

#4 Improved Productivity Output

When teams work cohesively, overall productivity improves, leading to enhanced profit margins for the company or organization. Involving managers and team members in problem-solving activities can positively impact the company’s growth and profitability.

How Onethread Enhances the Effect of Problem Solving Activities

Problem-solving activities within teams thrive on collaborative efforts and shared perspectives. Onethread emerges as a potent facilitator, enabling teams to collectively tackle challenges and harness diverse viewpoints with precision. Here’s a comprehensive view of how Onethread amplifies team collaboration in problem-solving initiatives:

Open Channels for Discussion:

Onethread’s real-time messaging feature serves as a dedicated hub for open and seamless discussions. Teams can engage in brainstorming sessions, share insightful observations, and propose innovative solutions within a flexible environment. Asynchronous communication empowers members to contribute their insights at their convenience, fostering comprehensive problem analysis with ample deliberation.

Centralized Sharing of Resources:

Effective problem-solving often hinges on access to pertinent resources. Onethread’s document sharing functionality ensures that critical information, references, and research findings are centralized and readily accessible. This eradicates the need for cumbersome email attachments and enables team members to collaborate with precise and up-to-date data.

Efficient Task Allocation and Monitoring:

Problem-solving journeys comprise a series of tasks and actions. Onethread’s task management capability streamlines the delegation of specific responsibilities to team members. Assign tasks related to research, data analysis, or solution implementation and monitor progress in real time. This cultivates a sense of accountability and guarantees comprehensive coverage of every facet of the problem-solving process.

Facilitated Collaborative Decision-Making: Navigating intricate problems often demands collective decision-making. Onethread’s collaborative ecosystem empowers teams to deliberate over potential solutions, assess pros and cons, and make well-informed choices. Transparent discussions ensure that decisions are comprehensively comprehended and supported by the entire team.

Seamless Documentation and Insights Sharing:

As the problem-solving journey unfolds, the accumulation of insights and conclusions becomes pivotal. Onethread’s collaborative document editing feature empowers teams to document their discoveries, chronicle the steps undertaken, and showcase successful solutions. This shared repository of documentation serves as a valuable resource for future reference and continuous learning.

With Onethread orchestrating the backdrop, team collaboration during problem-solving activities transforms into a harmonious fusion of insights, ideas, and actionable steps.

What are the 5 problem-solving skills?

The top 5 problem-solving skills in 2023 are critical thinking, creativity, emotional intelligence, adaptability, and data literacy. Most employers seek these skills in their workforce.

What are the steps of problem-solving?

Problem-solving steps are as follows: 1. Define the problem clearly. 2. Analyze the issue in detail. 3. Generate potential solutions. 4. Evaluate these options. 5. Choose the best solution. 6. Put the chosen solution into action. 7. Measure the outcomes to assess effectiveness and improvements made. These sequential steps assist in efficient and effective problem resolution.

How do you teach problem-solving skills?

Teaching problem-solving involves modelling effective methods within a context, helping students grasp the problem, dedicating ample time, asking guiding questions, and giving suggestions. Connect errors to misconceptions to enhance understanding, fostering a straightforward approach to building problem-solving skills.

So here is all about “activities for problem solving”.No matter which activity you choose, engaging in problem-solving activities not only provides entertainment but also helps enhance cognitive abilities such as critical thinking, decision making, and creativity. So why not make problem solving a regular part of your routine?

Take some time each day or week to engage in these activities and watch as your problem-solving skills grow stronger. Plus, it’s an enjoyable way to pass the time and challenge yourself mentally.

So go ahead, grab a puzzle or gather some friends for a game night – get ready to have fun while sharpening your problem-solving skills!

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Problem Solving Printable Worksheets
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Classroom Problem Solving Worksheet (teacher made)
Creative Thinking Activities and Problem Solving Cards

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Find 3 pairs of same numbers
Find 3 pairs of same numbers
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COMMENTS

Critical Thinking Problem Solving ESL Activities Games Lessons
ESL Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Activity - Speaking: Ranking, Guided Discussion, Guessing, Communicative Practice - Group Work - Upper-intermediate (B2) - 30 minutes. In this communicative critical thinking and problem-solving activity, students guess what criteria was used to put a list of ten jobs in order.
Problem-solving Activities: The Real MVPs for Students
4. Solving Puzzles : Exploration Problem Solving Activities. Solving puzzles is a fun way to develop the critical thinking skills of students. It requires them to think outside the box, look at things from different perspectives, and come up with unique solutions.
94 Problem Solving English ESL worksheets pdf & doc
94 Problem Solving English ESL worksheets pdf & doc. SORT BY. Most popular. TIME PERIOD. All-time. rachel777. Problem Solving. Students must work i. 1431 uses. audreygumbo. Problem solving work. grade 2 problems. 547 uses. jazz47. NUMBERS PROBLEM SOLV. the object of this a. 80 uses. Mulle. Reading with Problem. Text bites with prob. 2917 uses ...
5 Problem-Solving Activities for the Classroom
2. Problem-solving as a group. Have your students create and decorate a medium-sized box with a slot in the top. Label the box "The Problem-Solving Box.". Invite students to anonymously write down and submit any problem or issue they might be having at school or at home, ones that they can't seem to figure out on their own.
Fun Brainstorming Games, Activities & Exercises for Students
Brainstorming Games and Activities for English Learners. If you want to help your students out with brainstorming skills, then these games and activities will help you get there! ... #19: Problem Solving. Present a real-life problem or challenge related to the lesson content and have students brainstorm possible solutions individually or in ...
Problem Solving Lessons
How college loans exploit students for profit - Sajay Samuel. TED-Ed lessons on the subject Problem Solving. TED-Ed celebrates the ideas of teachers and students around the world. Discover hundreds of animated lessons, create customized lessons, and share your big ideas.
11 Activities That Promote Critical Thinking In The Class
This engaging exercise is one of the most effective critical thinking activities for kids, as it encourages them to use their creativity and problem-solving skills while working together to construct innovative structures with limited resources. 52 Critical Thinking Flashcards for Problem Solving. 4. Keeping it Real.
40 Activities For Developing Critical Thinking in EFL Classes
1. Ask the class who, in their own opinion, wins and why? 2. Ask students to pretend to be the item that they choose, try to list its advantages, and debate them with the other student. 3. Ask students to act out what they prepared in front of the class. 4. Ask the class to listen and take notes.
Problem solving speaking activity
Problem solving speaking activity. Posted on June 17, 2015 by Gosia Kwiatkowska. The aim of this speaking activity is to practice problem-solving in English and brainstorm solutions to five different problems. It is perfect for conversation classes, bigger and smaller groups, levels intermediate and above.
Problem solving: ESL/EFL Lesson Plan and Worksheet
Problem solving. In this lesson, students learn useful language for handling and solving problems at work. Vocabulary for describing different types of problems and solutions is studied. Students then listen to several dialogues and study the expressions used by the speakers to declare and diagnose a problem as well as make suggestions and take ...
17 Fun Problem Solving Activities & Games [for Kids ...
For this problem solving activity for older kids or teens, you will need four 2×6 boards. Divide your group into two teams with an equal number of children on each team. Place two of the four boards end to end on the ground or floor. Set the other two parallel to the first two about two or three feet apart.
ESL Problem-Solving Games
Popular games and game shows can easily be adapted for ESL problem solving. Everyone already knows the rules and can jump right in! Games like Balderdash and Scrabble are good for developing general vocabulary, and Jeopardy is useful for content. A case study published in the "International Journal of Mathematical Education in Science and ...
Engaging Problem Solving Activities That Spark Student Interest
Discuss lessons learned and the importance of problem solving skills. This is one of the problem solving activities for students that can create a simulated environmental crisis scenario, fostering collaboration, critical thinking, and problem solving skills in students. 5. Mathematical Escape Puzzle: Crack the Code.
Speaking matters: Problem-solving
They usually require students to communicate information to each other where the focus is on expressing ideas and opinions and not simply repeating phrases. In many ways, problem-solving activities replicate 'real' speaking in that people have a need to speak. Problem-solving activities can also be an effective way of practising language items ...
Problem-Solving Scenarios ESL
These problem-solving scenarios for ESL have been designed by teachers, for your children's needs. Once downloaded, you'll find 3 different problems; children can either work independently or in a group to come up with 3 possible solutions. Before starting this activity, you can put a scenario on the board at the front of the classroom, asking pupils to turn to their talking partner to ...
problem solving
Part 1: Give out desert island and language handouts and explain the situation. Task: You have been selected to take part in a social experiment. You and your group will be taken to a desert island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. You will have to survive there for a year without contact with the outside world.
35+ ESL Speaking Activities: Engage with Fun for Better Fluency
Problem-Solving: Collaborative Learning in ESL. Problem-Solving activities are a great way to get students working together and communicating in English. These activities involve presenting students with a problem or challenge that they need to solve collaboratively. Materials Needed: The materials for this activity will depend on the problem ...
Problem solving #1
Problem solving #1 - The Desert Dilemma. This is an oral activity where your students discuss what items they need in order to survive after a plane crash in the desert.
Problem solving: ESL/EFL Lesson Plan and Worksheet
Publication date: 09/09/2011. In this lesson, students learn useful language for handling and solving problems at work. Vocabulary for describing different types of problems and solutions is studied. Students then listen to several dialogues and study the expressions used by the speakers to declare and diagnose a problem as well as make ...
Problem Solving Games, Activities & Exercises for Adults
4. Sudoku. Sudoku is one of the most popular free problem solving games for adults. The objective of this game is to fill each box of a 9×9 grid so that every row, column, and letter contains each number from one to nine. The puzzle makes a great team challenge. To play Sudoku on Zoom, screen share the game board.
13 Problem-Solving Activities & Exercises for Your Team
Here are nine easy-to-implement activities that can bring substantial change to your team culture and overall workplace dynamics. #1. Crossword Puzzles. Objective: To enhance problem-solving skills, vocabulary, and cognitive abilities through engaging crossword puzzles. Estimated Time: 15-20 Minutes.
Top 15 problem-solving activities for your team to master
3. Egg Drop. Helps with: Collaboration, decision-making. Why decision-making is important for problem-solving: Making decisions isn't easy, but indecision leads to team paralysis, stagnant thinking, and unsolved problems. Decision-making activities help your team practice making quick, effective choices.