Structured Problem SolvingProblem solving skills are a key component of productive group work. Problem-solving skills are not given by nature; these skills are the result of hard work and training. Structured problem-solving techniques are a very effective way to solve the problem. This technique allows teams to learn to find solutions to problems (3). The three most commonly developed methods for improving group problem solving are the standard agenda, functional perspective, and single question format. In this article, we will discuss Standard Agenda methods as a problem-solving procedure (1). The Standard Agenda method was developed by John Dewey. John Dewey was an American philosopher and educator. Dewey made fundamental contributions to all areas and subjects of philosophy and psychology. Dewey is well known for his publications on education. He was one of the creators of school systems and educational policies in Türkiye and Soviet Russia (4). The standard agenda includes the following processes: task clarification, problem identification, fact finding, solution criteria, solution suggestions, solution evaluation and selection, and solution implementation. As an example of implementing standard agenda methods, we will analyze the City of Beaverton Traffic Commission meeting on May 6, 2010. The first phase of the standard agenda is clarification tasks. When clarifying tasks, group members should understand the task of the meeting and should be familiar with their personal roles. In the case of the Traffic Commission, the clarification of tasks was developed before the actual meeting. Committee members knew the agenda and their personal roles. The second phase of the standard agenda is Prob...... middle of paper ...... logical or rational response. Some of the proposed changes could have been rejected from the start and our tax dollars could have been spent on more realistic purposes. Overall, the system works for making decisions, but seems like a huge waste of bureaucratic time.Article 2Sources:1. Engleberg, Isa & Wynn, Dianna, Group work. (Boston: Pearson, 2010)2. John Dewey, How We Think. (New York: Dover Publications, 1997)3. Use a specific way to solve a problem with structured problem-solving techniques. (2008). Retrieved from http://www.greatbrainstormingtechniques.com/structured-problem-solving-techniques.php4. John Dewey, American pragmatist. (2010). Retrieved from http://dewey.pragmatism.org/5. Agenda and minutes of the traffic commission. (2010). Retrieved from http://www.beavertonoregon.gov/departments/publicworks/transportation/trafficcomm.aspx