The Problem Solving Framework
The problem solving approach to teaching mathematics involves formulating lessons that encourage students to develop their own ideas and strategies to solve problem rather than teaching through direct instruction. In order for the problem-solving approach to be effective, students need to have room for exploration. Teachers must generate problems which have multiple solutions, can be solved using numerous strategies and can take various representations.
The idea behind the problem-solving approach to teaching mathematics is that students should always be provided an opportunity to learn the material and make sense of the concepts in their own way before the teacher guides students in the right direction as the inverse can have detrimental effects on a student’s learning. When we tell students the “correct” way to approach a problem without allowing them to discover the “correct” way, we strip away their ability to form a conceptual understanding of the deep mathematical principles. Rather, students should be provided problem-solving opportunities, be given time to discover and explore, and then strategies should be unveiled as a class to consolidate learning.
Click here to view the Guide to Effective Instruction in Mathematics
The idea behind the problem-solving approach to teaching mathematics is that students should always be provided an opportunity to learn the material and make sense of the concepts in their own way before the teacher guides students in the right direction as the inverse can have detrimental effects on a student’s learning. When we tell students the “correct” way to approach a problem without allowing them to discover the “correct” way, we strip away their ability to form a conceptual understanding of the deep mathematical principles. Rather, students should be provided problem-solving opportunities, be given time to discover and explore, and then strategies should be unveiled as a class to consolidate learning.
Click here to view the Guide to Effective Instruction in Mathematics
~ “Teaching through problem solving refers to lessons that are structured around a problem or task. Students explore and engage in an exploration of the mathematics and then the teacher uses the student work as the basis for the lesson. Ideas are consolidated, connected and expanded on as the students share the strategies that they have used” ~
(Guide to Effective Instruction in Mathematics)
(Guide to Effective Instruction in Mathematics)