Problem Solving and Planning

Teaching through Problem Solving

• Most math concepts can be taught by problem solving
• Four-step problem-solving process
• Understanding the problem
• What is the problem about?
• Devising a plan
• How can I solve the problem?
• Are there multiple ways to solve the problem?
• Carrying out the plan
• Solve the problem based on your plan
• Looking back
• Does my answer make sense?
• Let the students do the talking
• How did you solve the problem?
• Why did you solve it this way?
• Why do you think your solution is correct?
• Explain how your solution makes sense.

Teaching Resource - Worksheets and Games

http://www.teachingideas.co.uk/maths/contents_problemsolving.htm



Planning a Problem-Based Lesson



Planning for all Learners

• Make accommodations and modifications
• An accommodation is a provision to the lesson but it does not alter the task
• A modification changes the problem or the task
• Use differentiating instruction
• Instruction should support all students
• learning styles
• cultural influences
• language
• Flexible groupings
• Allow students to collaborate
• You may use random groupings or group according to ability
• Encourage the entire group to answer questions of individual students

Example

http://www.exemplars.com/blog/education/2-tips-for-planning-successful-problem-based-learning-in-your-math-classroom

Additional Information

http://www.edutopia.org/project-based-learning

Van De Walle, J. A., Karp, K. S., & Bay-Williams, J. M. (2010). Elementary and middle school mathematics: Teaching developmentally (7^th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.