---
title: "Collaborative Problem Solving: Definition"
url: "https://www.zib.education/en/pisa/competencedomains/collaborative-problem-solving/"
description: Collaborative problem-solving skills refer to the ability to find solutions to problems together with at least two other people.
date: 2025-10-31
modified: 2026-01-07
lastUpdated: 2026-01-07
categories:
  - PISA
---

# Collaborative Problem Solving: Definition

31.03.2025    Reading time:

   Collaborative Problem Solving
-------------------------------

    ![Pictogram symbolising collaborative problem-solving skills. Speech bubbles can be seen between two people. A glowing light bulb indicates the solution to a problem.](https://www.zib.education/_assets/processed/4Izg6alzB2y1EiIi94Ov1RRYGXVABrhQOR1F8BhQRbA/q:85/w:433/h:447/fn:Y3NtX1BJU0FfSWNvbl9Lb2xsYWJvcmF0aXZlc19Qcm9ibGVtbG9lc2VuX2FlZmNhZDliNmQ:t/cb:9ba86fa6d1abc6e6c5e942af87c3b716ec675ab3/bG9jYWw6L2ZpbGVhZG1pbi9CaWxkZXIvS29tcGV0ZW56ZW4vUElTQV9JY29uX0tvbGxhYm9yYXRpdmVzX1Byb2JsZW1sb2VzZW4ucG5n) PISA 2015 examined collaborative problem-solving skills at the end of mandatory schooling for the first time.

### Definition

Collaborative problem-solving skills refer to the ability to find solutions to problems with at least two other people or in a team. The process of finding a solution follows three steps:

- Establishing a common understanding between participants
- Agreeing on a joint effort
- Combining the knowledge, skills and efforts of all participants in order to achieve the goal.

Sample questions covering collaborative problem solving may be found [here](https://www.zib.education/en/pisa/sample-tasks/).