See How It Works
View classroom videos, instructor and administrator interviews, and sample materials to see the recommended practice in action.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
