problem solving

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Archive : 2004 : January : 3

problem solving
By Katy

I highly recommend this book:

Introduction to Problem Solving: Strategies for the Elementary Math Classroom
by Susan O'Connell (Author)

I teach one problem solving strategy at a time and everyone needs
to use that strategy to solve the problem so they get practice with it. Drawing a picture is one strategy. There are also: looking for a pattern, making an organized list, making a table, choosing an equation, etc. After children learn the different strategies, when they get a word problem they are better equiped to solve it. I try to teach my students the difference between a problem-solving

strategy and a computational strategy. I want children to understand that if they are solving 36 + 28, they don't have to draw 36 circles and 28 circles but they could still use the draw a picture strategy. They can draw base ten blocks.