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 1 - 12 of 47

Sort by:

Talking Through Problems and Their Solutions
Video

Talking Through Problems and Their Solutions

Problem Solving > Reflect & Debrief > Overview & Tools

This multimedia overview describes the basic steps students can learn to monitor their problem-solving process. The tasks and prompts can be used throughout the problem-solving process to encourage...

Resource Type

Overview

3301 views
Effective Problem-Solving Instruction
Video

Effective Problem-Solving Instruction

Problem Solving > Problem-Solving Instruction > Overview & Tools

This summary describes a wide range of research-based recommendations for guiding instruction in problem solving. Three important strategies that apply at all grade levels and in all areas of math...

Resource Type

Overview

4050 views
Preparing Problems for Classroom Instruction
Video

Preparing Problems for Classroom Instruction

Problem Solving > Prepare Problems > Overview & Tools

Watch this multimedia overview to learn what a teacher should keep in mind when selecting problems, including suggestions for how to adapt problems to ensure that students can focus on mathematical...

Resource Type

Overview

2529 views
Improving Mathematical Problem Solving in Grades 4 Through 8
Video

Improving Mathematical Problem Solving in Grades 4 Through 8

Problem Solving > Overview & Tools

This multimedia overview explains why problem solving should be part of teaching in all math topics, describing the different types of problems that teachers in grades 4-8 might use, and the...

Resource Type

Overview

3419 views
Monitoring Progress While Solving Problems
Video

Monitoring Progress While Solving Problems

Problem Solving > Reflect & Debrief > See How It Works

Dr. Sybilla Beckmann demonstrates how to help students monitor their progress and reflect on their reasoning while solving a challenging problem.

Resource Type

Expert Interview

2878 views
Monitoring the Problem-Solving Process
Audio

Monitoring the Problem-Solving Process

Problem Solving > Reflect & Debrief > Learn What Works

Listen to Dr. Sybilla Beckmann describe strategies for helping students monitor and reflect during the problem-solving process.

Resource Type

Expert Interview

2919 views
Helping Students Debrief
Video

Helping Students Debrief

Problem Solving > Reflect & Debrief > Learn What Works

Dr. Mark Driscoll provides practical advice on building students' habits of reasoning by structuring discussions using particular questions and written tools. See also Multiple Problem-Solving...

Resource Type

Expert Interview

2475 views
The Components of Problem Solving
Video

The Components of Problem Solving

Problem Solving > Overview & Tools

Dr. John Woodward describes the IES Panel's five recommendations related to the problem-solving process and shows different types of problems.  

Resource Type

Expert Interview

2496 views
Connecting Mathematical Ideas to Notation
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

2303 views
Algebraic Notation in Problem Solving
Video

Algebraic Notation in Problem Solving

Problem Solving > Problem-Solving Instruction > Learn What Works

Dr. Ken Koedinger provides examples that demonstrate the importance of bringing mathematical notation into the problem-solving process.

Resource Type

Expert Interview

2210 views
Multiple Problem-Solving Strategies in Instruction
Video

Multiple Problem-Solving Strategies in Instruction

Problem Solving > Problem-Solving Instruction > Learn What Works

Dr. Driscoll explains how use of multiple strategies contributes to student learning by letting students see problems in new ways. He stresses the importance of worked examples and comparing and...

Resource Type

Expert Interview

2478 views
Matching Visuals to Purpose in Problem Solving
Video

Matching Visuals to Purpose in Problem Solving

Problem Solving > Problem-Solving Instruction > Learn What Works

Dr. Asha Jitendra shows and discusses the role of different types of visualizations in problem solving, especially their usefulness for students struggling with math.

Resource Type

Expert Interview

2795 views
  • Items 1 - 12 of 47

Recommended For You

Connecting Visuals to Problem Types

Connecting Visuals to Problem Types

Problem Solving Planning Template #1

Problem Solving Planning Template #1

Effective Problem-Solving Instruction

Effective Problem-Solving Instruction

Developing Problem-Solving Thinkalouds

Developing Problem-Solving Thinkalouds

Visual Diagram: Problem Solving

Visual Diagram: Problem Solving

Improving Mathematical Problem Solving in Grades 4 Through 8

Improving Mathematical Problem Solving in Grades 4 Through 8