Problem Solving Strategies

EDU 412/413Special Thanks to:

Matthieu Petit

Outline

Introduction What is a problem? Methods in Problem Solving Strategies Teaching Problem Solving Strategies

Introduction

Why teach Problem Solving? What competencies are addressed by

Problem Solving? What are the difficulties in Problem Solving at

the Secondary Level? Particular to Cycle One vs. Cycle Two?

What is a Problem?

Identifiable initial observation or data Final goal or conclusion Presence of constraints Series of operations or procedures required

to “solve” problem Often requiring research Needs to require at least some work

– If you can find the answer just by looking at it, it’s not a problem!!!

Methods in Problem Solving:Identify the Problem

Look at all the information. Have you seen a similar problem? What are the similarities? Differences? WHAT DO WE KNOW?

Do we have facts that aren’t given explicitly in the problem?

WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

Methods in Problem Solving:Choose a Strategy

How did you solve a similar problem in the past?

What strategies do you know? From the “WHAT DO WE KNOW”, does any

strategy present itself? Try a strategy that seems appropriate Repeat with new strategy if needed.

Methods in Problem Solving:Solve the Problem

Often the initial impulse, which creates frustration.

Use the strategy that seems appropriate to solve in an ordered fashion.

Becomes easier with practice for each strategy.

Methods in Problem Solving:Review and Re-examine the Problem

Review the Problem. Did you find the answer? Is the answer in the correct units? Does the answer seem reasonable?

Develop a conceptual intuition or understanding...

Strategies

Create a diagram or model (many possibilities) Make a Table, Chart or List Compute or Simplify Use a Formula Guess, Check & Revise Consider a Simpler Case, and then extrapolate Eliminate Look for Patterns

Strategies:Create a diagram or model

Use Physical Models

Act Out the Problem

Use Drawing or Sketches

Create a Formula

Teaching Problem Solving Strategies

Let students do their problem solving on specific worksheets or in notebooks

Use a lot of puzzles and problems without numbers

Use group work Keep track of their strategy “toolkit” Encourage them!!!

Encouragement

Let students restate the problem in their own words. Clearly identify what is being asked. Generally describe the steps needed for a solution,

without using the numbers. Group together related information for a clearer

picture. Clearly indicate “checkpoints” to refer to Help them determine what is reasonable for an

answer