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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
