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.
Pre-Algebra Fencing Task
Problem Solving > Problem-Solving Instruction > See How It Works
At Papillion Junior High School, seventh-grade students work in groups on a non-routine geometry problem. This sample material has a fencing task worksheet and photos of students’ presentations of...
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
Using Visual Representations
Problem Solving > Problem-Solving Instruction > See How It Works
Teachers can use these examples for ideas to help students create visual representations for different types of problems.
Resource Type
Sample Material
Fraction Problem: Part of a Part
Problem Solving > Problem-Solving Instruction > See How It Works
Grade 6 students at Patriot Elementary use several strategies to solve a real-world, part of a part problem. This sample material has the scenario and statement of the problem along with pictures...
Resource Type
Sample Material
Questions and Prompts for Developing Mathematical Thinking
Problem Solving > Prepare Problems > See How It Works
This sample material is a copy of the classroom poster from Coach Talk: Preparing for Problem Solving that teachers use as guidance for the problem-solving process. It was developed by the...
Resource Type
Sample Material
Pre-Conference Planning Form
Problem Solving > Prepare Problems > See How It Works
Elementary math coaches in the Papillion-La Vista School District use a lesson pre-conference planning form with teachers. Coaches work with teachers to consider goals and students’ experience and...
Resource Type
Sample Material
Resources for Planning Problems
Problem Solving > Prepare Problems > See How It Works
This sample material contains publications from the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) and other sources. There are links to 12 websites that have collections of problems and...
Resource Type
Sample Material
Observing Students' Understanding of the Problem-Solving Process
Problem Solving > Reflect & Debrief > Overview & Tools
Teachers can use this observation tool to monitor students’ understanding of the problem-solving process and determine needs for additional instruction. Related Media: Monitoring the...
Resource Type
Tool
Learning Together About Monitoring and Debriefing
Problem Solving > Reflect & Debrief > Overview & Tools
With this workshop, professional development providers can help teachers practice facilitating their students’ monitoring of their thinking during problem solving and verbalizing alternative ways...
Resource Type
Tool
Developing Problem-Solving Thinkalouds
Problem Solving > Reflect & Debrief > Overview & Tools
This instructional planner helps mathematics coaches and teachers plan how they will demonstrate to students how to reflect on their thinking as they solve problems. The planner helps prepare a...
Resource Type
Tool
Debriefing Student Solutions
Problem Solving > Reflect & Debrief > Overview & Tools
Teachers can use this tool as a guide to help them remember prompts and strategies that extend students’ thinking about problem solving while they debrief different approaches to solving a...
Resource Type
Tool
