Improving Mathematical Problem Solving

Based on extensive research, the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) has published a practice guide that provides five recommendations for improving students’ mathematical problem solving. This guide is geared toward teachers, math coaches, other educators, and curriculum developers who want to improve the mathematical problem solving of students.

The foundation for success in advanced mathematics is built on problem solving skills. Problem solving requires strong skills in reasoning, analysis, and argument construction, and the ability to apply innovative strategies to find a solution.

To help students become skilled problem solvers, teachers can:

• prepare problems to use in whole-class instruction
• provide explicit problem-solving instruction that teaches students to use visual representations, employ multiple strategies, and links mathematical concepts and notation to problems
• allow time to reflect and debrief on their strategies and solutions with classmates

While these skills should be taught at all levels, it's especially important to help students develop them as progress toward the more complex math concepts they will learn in high school.
Problem solving skills are essential for students as they progress through the entire mathematics curriculum. Students who develop proficiency in mathematical problem solving early are better prepared for advanced mathematics and other complex problem-solving tasks. Unfortunately, when compared with students in other countries, students in the U.S. are less prepared to solve mathematical problems.
Problem solving involves reasoning and analysis, argument construction, and the development of innovative strategies. These abilities are used not only in advanced mathematics topics — such as algebra, geometry and calculus—but also throughout the entire mathematics curriculum beginning in kindergarten, as well as in subjects such as science.
Pepper has released a new workshop focused on Improving Mathematical Problem Solving as part of it’s new Pepper Online Workshop (POW!) content. By taking this workshop you will explore strategies to help students become skilled problem solvers. Participants will be understand and take a deeper look at the three components involved in teaching problem solving to students.

You can check all of our new POW content by visiting the Courses and Workshops section on your dashboard.