TeamworkExam + Case StudyTeam Event

Creative Problem Solving

Teams of 2 to 6 take a 50-question critical thinking test, then top teams get 15 minutes to solve a secret health or HOSA problem and 10 minutes to present the solution on flip charts.

About this event

Creative Problem Solving is a team event (2 to 6 members) for the Secondary and Postsecondary/Collegiate divisions, sponsored by McGraw Hill. Round One is a 50-question multiple-choice test in 60 minutes taken by every member; the team average both qualifies the team and counts in the final score. The test plan covers critical and effective thinking (26 percent), problem-solving strategies and skills (24), examining constraints and developing alternatives (20), components of logic (20) and clarifying problems and generating ideas (10), written from Organizational Behavior (McShane and Von Glinow), Adair's Decision Making and Problem Solving, Sternad's Solve It! and the Thinknetic critical thinking collection. Top teams advance to Round Two, where everyone gets the same secret problem about HOSA, the health community or a health issue, sometimes with supporting data. The team has 15 minutes in a prep room with two flip chart sheets, markers and index cards, then moves to the judges for a 10-minute presentation using only those charts and cards. The 100-point rubric scores understanding of the problem, an imaginative solution, a clear explanation, use of prior knowledge, a financially sound plan, use of the information provided, and delivery with all members participating. The average test score is added to the presentation score and breaks ties.

Test day

What to expect

Round One test, then Round Two

Round One is a 50-question test in 60 minutes; the top scorers advance to Round Two. Official format: 50-question test, 60 minutes (team average), then 15-minute preparation plus 10-minute team presentation for top teams.

Written from the test plan

Questions follow the event's published test plan, section by section, and are written from the listed reference texts. Practice questions here are drawn in the same proportions.

How you advance

How many advance from regionals to states and on to the International Leadership Conference (ILC) depends on your association's rules. Study the official test plan: it lists each section and its share of the test.

What judges score

A. Presentation Content: Understanding of problem / health issue (15), An imaginative and innovative approach is used to solve the problem (15), Explanation of solution (15), Applies previous knowledge and experience to current problem (15), Explanation of solution is financially sound (10), Use of the information provided in the secret topic (10)B. Presentation Delivery: Voice (5), Stage Presence (5), Diction, Pronunciation and Grammar (5), Team Participation (5); total 100

What's on the test

Critical and Effective Thinking · 26%Problem Solving Strategies and Skills · 24%Clarification of Problems and Generating Ideas · 10%Examining Constraints / Developing Alternatives · 20%Components of Logic · 20%

Study resources

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