Problem Solving

Explore resources designed to help students become skilled problem solvers in grades 4 through 8.

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.

  • Items 13 - 24 of 47

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Video

Connecting Mathematical Ideas to Notation

Problem Solving > Problem-Solving Instruction > See How It Works

Dr. Sybilla Beckmann uses two different problems to demonstrate how to develop mathematical concepts and present mathematical notation in problem-solving situations. Related Files: Problems:...

Resource Type

Expert Interview

1529 views
Document

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

2338 views
Audio

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

1610 views
Video

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

2078 views
Video

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

1487 views
Video

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

1419 views
Video

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

1776 views
Video

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

1546 views
Video

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

1574 views
Document

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

2331 views
Document

Who Finishes When?

Problem Solving > Problem-Solving Instruction > See How It Works

At Worthington Hooker School, pre-algebra students work on the Who Finishes When? problem. They use visual representations to interpret the information in the problem. This sample material has the...

Resource Type

Sample Material

1752 views
Document

Problems: Connecting Mathematical Ideas to Notation

Problem Solving > Problem-Solving Instruction > See How It Works

In the media piece, Connecting Mathematical Ideas to Notation, Dr. Sybilla Beckmann presents two examples of problems showing how students can connect mathematical concepts and notation. This...

Resource Type

Sample Material

2170 views
  • Items 13 - 24 of 47