Multicultural Problem Solving: Case Studies

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Multicultural Problem Solving: The Model

Problem Identification
Identify or name the situation and relevant related issues. What is the conflict? What is the source of the conflict?
Perspectives
Create a list of every person, group, and institution affected by the incident. How is each of these people and institutions affected by the situation? Be sure to include possible victims, victimizers, members of the community, and anyone else who is touched by the incident directly or indirectly. It may be necessary to make some assumptions for this step, intensifying the importance of incorporating as many voices and perspectives as possible into the process of compiling the information.
Challenges and Opportunities
With the varied perspectives in mind, what will be the individual and institutional challenges and constraints to addressing the situation? What will be the challenges based on the individuals directly involved, and what institutional constraints must inform an approach for addressing the situation? What are the educational opportunities presented by the incident, both for the people directly involved and everyone else?
Strategies
Brainstorm approaches for addressing the situation, attempting to maximize the extent to which the negative outcomes of the situation are addressed while simultaneously maximizing the extent to which you take advantage of educational opportunities. Keep in mind the varied perspectives and the fact that any solution will affect everyone differently. This is not the step at which to challenge and critique each other's ideas. Record every idea, no matter how unreasonable it may sound to individuals in the group.
Solutions
Focus your strategies into a formal plan of action. Keep in mind the varied perspectives as well as the challenges and opportunities. Be sure to come up with at least two or three specific responses, whether they focus on the individual conflict or the underlying issues at an institutional level.
Expected Outcomes
Name the outcomes you foresee as a result of the solutions you identified. Revisit the perspectives step to ensure a standard of equity and fairness.

This model was created in 2000 and revised in 2001 by Paul Gorski [gorski@earthlink.net].

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