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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
