Future Problem Solving Programme (FPSP)

Objectives

● S trengthen critical and creative thinking skills

● H eighten students’ awareness of global challenges

● I nspire students to become responsible and self-directed learners

● N urture individuals with robust research and analytical skills

● E nable collaborative and interpersonal skills to be bolstered

What is the future problem solving programe (FPSP)?

The Future Problem Solving Programme (FPSP) is a dynamic international programme developed in 1974 by creativity pioneer, Dr. E. Paul Torrance. It comprises several components, both competitive and non-competitive, which aims to develop creative and critical thinking, problem solving and decision making skills.

Telok Kurau Primary School participates in the Global Issues Problem Solving (GIPS) component as a team. Students will learn the six-step creative problem solving process and use it to respond to a Future Scene provided for each topic.

Click here to learn more about FPSP.

Fig. An overview of the six-step creative problem solving process

Scope of topics

The topics selected by the FPSP represent themes and concepts ranging from Business and Economics, Social and Political, and Science and Technology. Topics are very current, but also require students to explore possibilities and solutions for the future.

Topics in 2019/2020 include International Travel, Sleep Patterns, Gamification, Living in Poverty and Terraforming.

Click here to find out more about the content scope of FPSP.

FPSP in Telok Kurau Primary

Introduced in our school in 2017, the FPSP is a two-year programme offered to a selected group of primary 4 and 5 students. At Primary 4, students learn about the six-step creative problem solving process using authentic learning scenarios. At Primary 5, an emphasis is placed on developing their research and analytical skills. Through cooperative learning, students stretch their imagination to generate innovative solutions to solve the problems of emerging realities.

A group of TKPS teachers are trained as FPSP coaches to conduct the programme. The school provides a variety of opportunities for students to learn and apply the skills through engaging hands-on activities.

The use of role plays to deepen students' understanding of the scenarios discussed.

Collaborative learning at play - working hand in hand to generate solution ideas to develop action plans.

FPSP members on their learning journey at Our Tampines Hub Eco-Community Garden to learn about compost bins

Fun opportunities for students to learn new technology - Hands-on experience with coding drones

Selected students in this two-year programme will represent the school in the annual Global Issues Problem Solving (GIPS) competition held by FPSP Singapore.

Click here to find out more information about GIPS.

Fig. An overview of our yearly timeline

In 2019, one of our groups successfully qualified for the National Finals and competed with other Future Problem Solvers across Singapore. After the two-day National Finals, our team emerged as the Champion for the Action Plan Presentation. One of the member also received a Certificate of Excellence for the Alternatives Competition.

A proud moment for our TKPS FPSP team at the National Finals Awards Ceremony 2019