Problem Solving Top Ten List #3

The first step in the problem solving process is to correctly identify the problem. The next is to explore, identify, and choose a problem solving strategy. The third step in the process is to correctly implement the strategy chosen. But what happens when a student swears his/her strategy isn’t working? Usually, they have a problem solving habit that I might categorize as “malfunctioning” (not effective). Let’s look at the worst problem solving habits that some of your students just might have.

1. Trying to do it all in your head; not writing anything down.
2. Arbitrarily choosing a strategy.
3. Staying with a strategy when it is not working.
4. Giving up on a strategy too early.
5. Getting fixated on a single strategy and trying to use it for everything.
6. Not asking yourself: “Does this make sense?”
7. Being afraid to ask for help.
8. Not checking your answer.
9. Not noticing patterns.
10. Going through the motions instead of thinking.

The student should be asking...

1. Have I shown an adequate amount of work to demonstrate what strategy I have used?
2. Is there more than one strategy which I could use to solve this problem?
3. Does choosing one strategy over another make the implementation easier?
4. Does the strategy I have chosen use any tables, charts, formulas or properties I need to review
5. What technology or manipulatives could I use to help me solve the problem?

As mathematics teachers, what can we do in the

classroom to guide this kind of thinking?

Top Ten Reasons for Getting Stuck when Problem Solving

A good process problem uses no set algorithm to find the solution. It requires a variety of processes (problem solving strategies) to find the solution. It is a problem that is easy to understand, is interesting, perhaps even whimsical, and has numbers sufficiently small enough so that lengthy computation is unnecessary.

Standard Word Problem: Jack's family plans to rent a camping trailer for vacation. The rent is $22.50 a day. What will it cost to rent the camping trailer for one week?

A Problem that Requires Problem Solving: Drew and Addie are playing a game. At the end of each game, the loser gives the winner a chip. When they are done playing several games, Drew has won three games, but Addie has three more chips than she had when the game began. How many games did Drew and Addie play?

So what happens when your students try to do the process problem above and they have no idea what to do? In my last posting, I listed ten reasons why students get stuck when problem solving. Now let's consider why students get stuck in the first place.

Top Ten Reasons for Getting Stuck in the First Place:

1. You tried to rush through the problem without thinking.
2. You did not read the problem carefully.
3. You don't know what the problem is asking for.
4. You don't have enough information.
5. You are looking for an answer that the problem isn't asking for.
6. The strategy you are using doesn't work for this particular problem.
7. You are not applying or using your strategy correctly.
8. You failed to combine your strategy with another strategy.
9. The problem has more than one answer.
10. The problem cannot be solved.

Since students today tend to be more visual than anything else, a graphic organizer becomes a valuable math tool. The Triangular Graphic Organizer is generic so that it can be used to solve all kinds of formula problems such as: d=rt, A=lw, or c² = a² + b². 

This five page handout explains in detail how to use the graphic organizer. It also contains several examples as well as a page of blank triangular graphic organizers to copy and use in your classroom.

Want the answer to the process problem? 

Check out the page above entitled: Answers to Problems.

Problem Solving - Getting Unstuck!

Math courses are not like other courses. To pass most other subjects, a student must read, understand, and recall the subject matter. However, to pass math, an extra step is required: a student must use the information they have learned to solve math problems correctly. Special math study skills are needed to help the student learn more and to get better grades.

The study of mathematics should emphasize problem solving so that students can use and apply a wide variety of strategies to investigate and understand mathematical content. In this way, they acquire confidence in using mathematics meaningfully and the assurance that they can be successful in math.

But what is a real problem that requires problem solving? A real problem solving problem presents a challenge that cannot be resolved by some routine procedure known to the student and where the student accepts the challenge! Now, there's the dilemma, students who actually accept the challenge and are persistent enough to solve the problem.

What can we, as math instructors, do when students become frustrated, exasperated and discouraged and say they are stuck? Let's look at ten ways to help them get "unstuck".

Top Ten Ways to Get Unstuck

Free Resource

1. Re-read the problem. 
2. Modify your strategy. 
3. Change your strategy. 
4. Combine your strategy with another strategy. 
5. Look at the problem from a new perspective. 
6. Look at the answer. 
7. Look at other similar problems. 
8. Ask for help. 
9. Wait awhile and then try again. 
10. All of the above.

Would you like a free resource about study tips? Check out Study Tips You Won't Forget. This resource lists 20 math study tips or guidelines intended to help students succeed in math.

Problem Solving Strategies

My math classes have been looking at different problem solving strategies, trying them out, and discovering what works best individually.  We've tried:

Poster that Hangs in My Classroom

1. Using Models or Manipulatives
2. Drawing a Picture
3. Acting it Out or Role Playing
4. Making a Chart or Table
5. Making a List or a Graph
6. Looking for Patterns (All math is based on patterns.)
7. Working Backwards
8. Guessing and Checking
9. Making the Problem Simpler

I believe problem solving should be the central focus of any mathematics curriculum.  It is the major reason for studying math and provides a context in which concepts and skills can be learned.  It is the major vehicle for developing higher order thinking skills.  However, there is one problem solving strategy that will not work, although many students try it. It is called staring!  That is why the non-strategy poster seen above always hangs in my classroom.

Need some problem solving activities that are enjoyable, offer variety, and increase interest? Think Tank Questions is a 14 page handout that contains 46 various questions. Most subject areas are included in the questions which are appropriate for grades 2-6.