Skills Guide
Teaching: Analyzing Problems
Analyzing Problems
Why This Skill Matters
Analyzing problems is essential for resilience because it helps students move from emotional reaction to thoughtful response. Without this skill, challenges can feel overwhelming or personal, leading students to shut down, act impulsively, or repeat ineffective patterns. When students learn how to analyze a problem—what’s actually happening, what they can control, and what options are available—they gain confidence and a sense of competence. This reduces helplessness and supports persistence through difficulty.
Student Challenges This Skill Helps Address
- Overreacting to obstacles
- Shutting down when problems arise
- Difficulty identifying solutions
- Repeated mistakes
How WhyTry Builds This Skill
WhyTry builds problem analysis through the Problem Solving unit, where students learn to break challenges into manageable parts and explore multiple solutions. Facilitators guide students to separate emotions from the problem itself, a skill reinforced through Emotional Regulation. Connections to Decision-Making & Consequences help students evaluate options and anticipate outcomes. Together, these units provide students with a repeatable process they can apply across academic, social, and life challenges—strengthening resilience through clarity and intentional action.
Problem Solving
(“Jumping Hurdles”)
In Problem Solving, students learn how to slow down and look at a situation with clarity rather than overwhelm. Facilitators guide students to name the real problem, identify what is in their control, and break challenges into workable steps. Processing helps students practice thinking patterns that build resilience—shifting from “I’m stuck” to “I can figure out a next step,” which reduces avoidance and increases perseverance.
Decision-Making & Consequences
(“Reality Ride”)
Decision-Making & Consequences strengthens analysis by helping students evaluate options and predict outcomes before acting. Facilitators use processing to help students think through “If I choose this, what happens next?” and “What choice aligns with my goals?” This supports students in analyzing problems not only as obstacles, but as moments where choices can change direction.
Emotional Regulation
(“Defense Mechanisms”)
In Emotional Regulation, students learn that strong emotions can distort thinking and make problems feel bigger than they are. Processing focuses on recognizing emotional triggers and practicing calm-down strategies so students can return to clear thinking. This unit supports problem analysis by helping students stay regulated long enough to assess the situation accurately and choose an effective response.