Problem Solving
Explore resources designed to help students become skilled problem solvers in grades 4 through 8. 
- View a visual diagram of all three practices
- Watch a topic overview and download planning templates
- Listen to an expert
Explore the subtopics below to learn more about the recommended practices:
To learn more about the research underlying these practices, view the IES Practice Guide, Improving Mathematical Problem Solving in Grades 4 Through 8.
Designing Worthwhile Problems
Problem Solving > Prepare Problems > Learn What Works
The two practitioners on the IES Panel discuss how to plan for problem solving in today's diverse classrooms. Philip Ogbuehi is Mathematics Specialist for the Los Angeles Unified School District,...
Resource Type
Expert Interview
Visual Diagram: Problem Solving
Problem Solving > Overview & Tools
The visual diagram illustrates three essential practices (preparation of problems, instructional approaches, and reflection and monitoring) based on the recommendations in the Practice Guide,Visual...
Resource Type
Visual Diagram
Coach Talk: Debriefing in Problem Solving
Problem Solving > Reflect & Debrief > See How It Works
Listen to two mathematics coaches from the Papillion-LaVista School District share the concepts they emphasize when working with teachers, including the importance of comparing multiple approaches...
Resource Type
School Example
Non-Routine Problem in Geometry
Problem Solving > Problem-Solving Instruction > See How It Works
See how a class approaches "Pre-Algebra Fencing Task," a non-routine geometry problem that challenges their mathematical reasoning. Related Files: Pre-Algebra Fencing Task (Sample...
Resource Type
School Example
Lesson Pre-Conference
Problem Solving > Prepare Problems > See How It Works
Listen in as a mathematics coach works with a teacher to plan problems for students who are struggling with subtraction problems. The coach helps the teacher unpack students’ issues, and then she...
Resource Type
School Example
Multiplication of Fractions
Problem Solving > Problem-Solving Instruction > See How It Works
Listen to how a teacher considers the problem-solving strategies students use in a multiplication of fractions problem involving part of a part. She describes which strategies she chooses to...
Resource Type
School Example
Representing a Problem Visually
Problem Solving > Problem-Solving Instruction > See How It Works
See how different groups of students use double number lines and other visuals to tackle "Frank's Problem," which involves figuring out the most efficient travel routes in terms of...
Resource Type
School Example
Coach Talk: Preparing for Problem Solving
Problem Solving > Prepare Problems > See How It Works
Listen in as two mathematics coaches discuss being strategic in the selection of problems and planning for classroom discussions including use of the Pre-Conference Planning Form. Related...
Resource Type
School Example
Problem Solving in Pre-Algebra
Problem Solving > Problem-Solving Instruction > See How It Works
Watch as a teacher challenges her students with the real-world problem of a race in Who Finishes When? Visual representations help students think about how the problem can be solved. Solution...
Resource Type
School Example
Tasks and Question Prompts
Problem Solving > Reflect & Debrief > See How It Works
This sample question list is organized to go along with tasks in problem solving. Teachers can use this list to prepare prompts and to help students monitor and reflect during the problem-solving...
Resource Type
Sample Material
Roll Around the Clock
Problem Solving > Problem-Solving Instruction > See How It Works
Students use a clock visual for fractions and problem solve with fraction concepts while playing Roll Around the Clock. This sample material presents instructions for the game along with a clock...
Resource Type
Sample Material
Frank's Problem
Problem Solving > Problem-Solving Instruction > See How It Works
Grade 6 students at Madison Elementary School use visual representations to present their solutions to Frank’s Fresh Farm Produce problem. The first page of the sample material has a statement of...
Resource Type
Sample Material
