Teachers for Peace · Learners to Leaders · Worksheet D · 1 / 3

Problem Tree & Five Whys

Why does this matter? Explore before deciding.

I'm Exploring an Idea: Choose one issue or question from your mind map. What is happening, and where?

First name or initialsDate

Branches · What effects might follow?

Trunk · What specific issue are you exploring?

Roots · What might cause this issue?

Causes are possible reasons; effects are what may happen as a result. A guess is not evidence.

Worksheet D · 2 / 3

Follow a root: Five Whys

Ask why your previous answer might happen. More than one explanation may fit. Stop when unsure — “I don't know yet” is a useful answer.

The possible root I want to explore

Start with your chosen root
Why 1 · Why might this happen?
Build on your previous answer, if you can
Why 2 · Why might that happen?
Build on your previous answer, if you can
Why 3 · Why might that happen?
Build on your previous answer, if you can
Why 4 · Why might that happen?
Build on your previous answer, if you can
Why 5 · Why might that happen?

Five questions are a guide, not a target. This chain does not prove a single root cause.

Worksheet D · 3 / 3

What do we know — and what is missing?

What have I actually observed? What is my evidence?Which ideas are guesses or still unknown?Whose perspective is missing? What might they see differently?One question to check, and a safe way to check it with my facilitatorReflection · What changed in my understanding, and why does this matter?For next time · One question I will bring to From an Idea to a Goal

Explore without blame. You may pass or use a fictional example. Any conversations with people affected need consent and your facilitator's guidance; no private details or independent contact with strangers.

My Idea Mind Map My First SMART Goal →

Answers are saved on this device only.