Problem Solving

Problem Solving is used anytime the means for attaining an appropriate solution is unknown. Problem Solving enables students to glean from prior knowledge, and wrestle with problems to find the correct conclusions. The great thing about problem solving is that it helps students understand more mathematical ideas and concepts, but it also helps students grasp ways of processing to problem solve in real life situations. Problem solving is a huge part in math and it should penetrate every area.

Compile Innovative Information through Problem Solving

It is imperative that teachers choose wisely the problems they present their learners. These problems should be worthwhile and be relevant to their lives in order to introduce new mathematical concepts. Students can engage in math that is close to home in that what they are learning is useful to them. Students will grasp new concepts with less difficulty if they can draw correlations to their own experience.

Create effective solutions to problems that come up in math and other situations

Those who excell at problem solving tend to bring situations under scrutiny and there pose problems based on their observations. Assumptions can be made by looking at a problem with little investigation, but the further one delves into the problem the more accurate the outcome will be. Educators have the responsibility of cultivating an environment within the classroom in which students are free and encouraged to create problems that align with their own lives to solve. They should be exhorted to investigate, discover new insights, try new things, and take risks in the classroom.

Relate and adjust many effective problem solving strategies and methods

There are many different problem solving strategies which include: working backwards, guess and check, the use of diagrams and patterns, etc. Instructors should be teaching these strategies to their students along with other problem solving methods. They should assign tasks in class that use a variety of strategies so that students can compare different ways to solve a problem and thereby the students become fluent in using them by the time they reach the higher grades. Different types of problems are going to require different types of problem solving methods. Classroom discussion about problem solving is going to make this a norm in the classroom and help students to be able to internalize what they have practiced and observed.

Observe the process of problem solving and be able to draw personal insight and application

Effective problem solvers are continually engaged in observing their actions and processes, making changes that they see that are necessary, read and reread, and ask questions. They also keep track of their progress and are open to change because there may be a better way of doing things. When the teacher asks probing questions to make sure his or her students understand concepts, and that the learners have gone into much depth in their thinking, they create an atmosphere where students feel free to assess their own work and thinking. It is very important that learners lay hold of reflective practice. By doing this, they will become more efficient and effective at problem solving not just in math, but in their own lives.