Problem Solving Strategies EDU 412413 Special Thanks to

Problem Solving Strategies EDU 412/413 Special Thanks to: Matthieu Petit

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

Introduction l l l Why teach Problem Solving? What competencies are addressed by Problem Solving? What are the difficulties in Problem Solving at the Secondary Level? l Particular to Cycle One vs. Cycle Two?

What is a Problem? l l Identifiable initial observation or data Final goal or conclusion Presence of constraints Series of operations or procedures required to “solve” problem l l 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 l l Look at all the information. Have you seen a similar problem? What are the similarities? Differences? WHAT DO WE KNOW? l l Do we have facts that aren’t given explicitly in the problem? WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

Methods in Problem Solving: Choose a Strategy l l l 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 l l l 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 l l Review the Problem. Did you find the answer? Is the answer in the correct units? Does the answer seem reasonable? l Develop a conceptual intuition or understanding. . .

Strategies l l l l 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 l Use Physical Models l Act Out the Problem l Use Drawing or Sketches l Create a Formula

Teaching Problem Solving Strategies l l l 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 l l l 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