What If? Building Students' Problem-Solving Skills Through Complex Challenges

by Ronald A. Beghetto

If a fundamental goal of schooling is to prepare young people for the unknowable future, why do we assign students so many clearly defined tasks with predetermined solutions? According to educator and creativity expert Ronald A. Beghetto, the best way to unleash students' problem solving and creativity—and thus prepare them to face real-world problems—is to incorporate complex challenges that teach students to respond productively to uncertainty. In this thought-provoking book, Beghetto explains With planning forms and detailed sample activities, this practical guide will enable teachers at every grade level to design a full range of challenges in any subject area. Invite uncertainty into your classroom—and discover what your students are capable of.

150 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 28, 2018

Reviews

[Peaches · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed a lot of this book. Beghetto's passion always comes through even in academic writing for the subject on creativity in learning and he offered useful terms. I also liked how he moved from in the classroom to beyond. As a higher education professor, some of it seemed a little basic, but I could see how it's just very accessible for a wide audience.

[Kate Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book does offer good questions, insights, and planning ideas for adding more challenge to your classroom. I found the first free chapters easy to read and applicable but the second half is all about legacy challenges that create positive change in the community - super cool but not something I have time for.

[Natalie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read this for a class. I came away with a few new ideas form the first three chapters. The last half only focused on legacy challenges, which sound great in theory. Just not sure it’s something feasible to do with 3rd graders when our schedule is already so tight.

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book changed my understanding of challenge in the classroom. I will definitely use my understanding which planning my lessons.