Co-Thinking Worksheets with AI #1

Describe the Problem Before Solving It

A Simple Exercise in Thinking Clearly Before Asking AI for Answers

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Why This Worksheet Matters

Most people use AI the moment they encounter a problem.

They immediately ask:

"How do I solve this?"

But many poor solutions come from poorly defined problems.

If the problem is unclear, the answer will be unclear too.

Co-thinking begins by understanding the problem before trying to solve it.

This worksheet helps you develop that habit.

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Step 1: Choose a Real Problem

Select something you are currently dealing with.

Examples:

• A work challenge
• A business decision
• A learning goal
• A personal dilemma
• A project that feels stuck

My Problem:

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Step 2: Describe the Problem Without Solutions

For the next two minutes, do not think about solutions.

Only describe the situation.

What is happening?

Why is it a problem?

Who is affected?

What happens if nothing changes?

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Step 3: Separate Facts from Assumptions

List what you know for certain.

Facts

1. __________________________________
2. __________________________________
3. __________________________________
4. __________________________________
5. __________________________________

Now list what you believe but cannot yet prove.

Assumptions

1. __________________________________
2. __________________________________
3. __________________________________
4. __________________________________
5. __________________________________

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Step 4: Co-Think With AI

Now share your problem description with AI.

Use the following prompt:

Prompt:

"I am not looking for solutions yet. Help me understand this problem better. Analyze the situation, identify assumptions, missing information, stakeholders, constraints, and important questions I should answer before attempting solutions."

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Step 5: Capture AI's Insights

What assumptions did AI identify?

What information was missing?

What questions did AI raise?

What surprised you?

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Step 6: Rewrite the Problem

Using your thinking and AI's feedback, write a clearer problem statement.

Original Problem

Improved Problem Statement

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Step 7: Reflection

Before AI: How clearly did you understand the problem?

• ☐ Very Poorly
• ☐ Poorly
• ☐ Moderately
• ☐ Clearly
• ☐ Very Clearly

After AI: How clearly do you understand the problem?

• ☐ Very Poorly
• ☐ Poorly
• ☐ Moderately
• ☐ Clearly
• ☐ Very Clearly

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Key Insight

Many people think they have a solution problem.

Often they have a problem-definition problem.

The quality of your thinking depends on the quality of your understanding.

The quality of AI's help depends on the quality of the problem you give it.

Before solving, describe.
Before asking, understand.
Before acting, think.

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AIYING Reflection

Complete this sentence:

"The most important thing I learned about my problem today is _________________________________"

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Next Worksheet

Co-Thinking Worksheets with AI #2

Separate Facts, Assumptions, and Opinions

Because better thinking begins when we stop treating guesses as facts.

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AIYING

Stop Thinking Alone. Start Co-Thinking With AI.

https://dastikop.blogspot.com

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