What is a Problem of Practice – A problem of practice is a specific, persistent challenge in teaching and learning that educators or leaders can directly observe, act on, and improve within their school or district context. It focuses on the instructional core and connects to broader improvement goals.
Key Characteristics
A strong problem of practice must be:
- Focused on teaching and learning.
- Directly observable in daily work.
- Actionable with available resources and staff.
- Relevant to the local context.
- Measurable with clear success indicators.
It differs from general complaints or external issues because teams can realistically address it through targeted interventions.
Examples of Problems of Practice
- Low student engagement during remote or hybrid lessons affects learning outcomes.
- Inconsistent implementation of literacy strategies across grade levels leads to achievement gaps.
- Teachers struggle to differentiate instruction for diverse learners in mixed-ability classrooms.
These examples are specific, observable, and tied to student results.
How to Identify and Use a Problem of Practice
Educators identify problems of practice through data review, classroom observations, and team discussions. They often form the foundation for:
- Instructional rounds.
- Professional learning communities.
- EdD dissertations or school improvement plans.
Teams then develop theories of action, test interventions, and measure results in iterative cycles
Also Read-What is The Night Circus About.
Problem of Practice vs. Related Terms
- Problem of Practice vs. Problem Statement: A problem of practice is narrower and tied to instruction. A problem statement may cover broader organizational issues.
- Problem of Practice vs. Pain Point: Pain points describe frustrations; problems of practice emphasize actionable teaching and learning challenges with potential for measurable improvement.
FAQs : What is a Problem of Practice
What makes a good problem of practice?
It is specific, observable, actionable, focused on instruction, and linked to student outcomes.
Where is the term “problem of practice” commonly used?
It appears in K-12 school improvement, instructional rounds, and EdD (Doctor of Education) programs.
How do you write a problem of practice?
State the current challenge clearly, include evidence, describe its impact on learning, and note the desired improvement.
Why focus on problems of practice?
They turn vague concerns into targeted, solvable issues that drive real improvements in teaching and student success.