“My students struggle with problem solving – what do you suggest?”
First let’s define what a problem is – In simple terms: “Where the path to solution is not obvious.” This means that a problem for younger students may not necessarily be a problem for older students.
Secondly, you need a whole school approach to problem solving. I like the original four stage process created by George Polya (1954).
- Understand the problem
- Devise a plan
- Carry out the plan
- Look back
Generally (but not always) problems will involve reading and comprehending the question. Improving the literacies of mathematics, vocabulary, graphics, and symbols, will give students a chance to at least start the problem.
Devising a plan relies on having been taught how to solve a similar problem, solving similar problems and then devising your own plan based on previous experiences. That is, you learn to solve problems by solving problems.
Getting started
Problem solving lessons can be quite daunting so start using a few problems and become familiar with them.
Take a look at the free Guide to Problem Solving for a quick rundown on the Problem Solving process, and how you can teach it corectly, easily.
I don’t have time for problem solving
There is certainly a lot to ‘cover’ in the maths curriculum, so David Dunstan and I have tried to link the problem-solving experience to specific content. This is obvious in the Check the Clues series where there are eight sets of cards related to many different topics.
Cooperative Problem Solving
Many students find problem solving daunting. One way to get started is by working in groups of four (cooperative problem solving).
The Clues cooperative problem solving card series can be used as the basis of a Whole School Approach to Problem Solving.
Solo Problem Solving
Later, students can work in smaller groups or individually on the tasks in the Problem Solving Puzzles series
Resources
See here for more Problem Solving resources
