Is the Future Problem Solving Program Accomplishing its Goals?

Abstract

This evaluation study investigates whether the Future Problem Solving Program (FPSP) accomplishes its goals of helping students enhance their creative thinking abilities, awareness of and interest in the future, as well as communication, problem solving, teamwork, and research skills. Two hundred five students and 32 teacher-coaches completed the survey instruments: What I Learned instrument for students and What My Students Have Learned instrument for coaches. Findings indicate that (a) students and teacher-coaches feel that the FPSP is accomplishing its goals, (b) teacher-coaches' perceptions were significantly more positive than students' perceptions regarding the accomplishment, and (c) Junior (grades 4–6) division students were significantly more positive than Middle (grades 7–9) or Senior (grades 10–12) division students. Discussion of the findings are provided and further studies are suggested.