It can be also known as “reporter questions”, as this technique is a standard tool used in journalism as a method of inquiry.
The '5 Whys and H' technique is a problem-solving approach that helps identify the root causes of an issue or problem. It is a simple and systematic method that involves asking 'why' repeatedly to uncover the underlying factors contributing to the problem and then asking “How”.
What is this technique/tool about
It is a method of questioning the fundamental characteristics of a situation by asking six questions (5 W questions and one H question). These simple queries lead to the acquisition of elements that, when combined, aid in the formation of a universal representation, whether of a given event, an interest, a situation, or a context.
So, as none of these questions can be solved simply with a 'yes'/'no'', if not that each question should be a concrete answer based on data and information relevant to the objectives of the technique and therefore the Five Ws and H allows us to know the story of something. Thus, it functions as a narrative technique that seeks to establish the necessary foundations to effectively communicate a message and present the information in a clear manner by answering six essential questions, such as:
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WHAT? |
What is the main goal? What do you want to convey? What information is relevant? |
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WHO? |
Who is the recipient of the message? To whom do you direct your information? |
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WHEN? |
When is the right time to communicate your message? |
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WHERE? |
Where are you going to transmit the information? What media will you use to convey your message (internet, oral lessons, notes, presentations, ...)? |
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WHY? |
Why is this information relevant? Is it important for your teaching? What are the reasons behind your goal? |
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HOW? |
How would that be more appropriate? |
For which purposes is it used (why in your secondary school teaching)
The Five Ws and H technique allows to present the information in a complete, clear, and effective way, so it can be a very useful tool to share the subject of study with the students. It also became an approach towards problem-solving, where each Ws and H questions help us to address an issue from different angles and come up with possible solutions. As a result, it can be a very useful activity in VET, for example, by posing your students with everyday problems or situations that they will face in their professional career and having them try to solve them in a group dynamic.
In a professional context, this project methodology allows people to ask themselves the right questions to understand a particular problem and respond to it effectively rather than just jumping into solving it, without prior reflection. It also allows teams working together to share a common vision of a situation and not get side tracked.
Hence, this simple, effective, and, most importantly, time-tested methodology can be applied in a wide range of fields, from scientific research to sales and journalism. This technique is also used in business to improve process management and, true to its origins, it is a very useful technique in the development of communication strategies (e.g., applicable to marketing or the use of social media). This tool is useful in gathering information on a given topic to better understand it. It’s also useful in developing new problem-solving approaches on a given challenge.
Some of the main utilities of this tool in your engineering lesson are the following ones:
Limitations
While the 5 Whys technique can be useful for identifying the root cause(s) of a problem, it is important to remember that it is not a perfect solution. The technique relies on assumptions and may not always provide a clear or accurate answer. In addition, it is important to consider the context and complexity of the problem being addressed.
To properly carry out the Five Ws and H technique to gather information and search for solutions or develop a defined message, follow these steps:
Preparation, before the session:
During the session:
Follow-up after the session:
By following this structure, you can ensure a systematic and organized approach to implementing the 5 Ws and H activity. It helps in gathering comprehensive information, fostering discussions, and leveraging the collective knowledge of participants to gain insights into the chosen topic or problem.
You probably won’t need any special materials or requirements to develop this technique to gather information or to design a problem-solving approach. Maybe you’ll find useful to use paper and markers to write your answers down.
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