The Problem Solving Process was developed to make the perception-action cycle easier to bring into the classroom. It was designed to support teachers as facilitators and students as authors of their own ideas and sense-makers of mathematics. One area where you can see the Problem Solving Process in action is during a Puzzle Talk. This is a whole class time that combines the use of ST Math Puzzles and the Problem Solving Process to facilitate student academic discourse.
The goal is to get students involved in the process of learning which requires noticing what is going on (in an ST Math puzzle, on the soccer field, or learning an instrument) and then starting a cycle of predicting, testing, and analyzing. When the learning is successful, it's connected to what is already known and extends knowledge.
We have a Puzzle Talk specifically about Problem Solving Process which can be used in your classroom. Check them out for these grades: [K-2] [3-5].
Here are some teacher and student-facing resources that can be used in the classroom as well:
Facilitation |
Teacher Problem Solving Facilitation Quick Reference |
Student Problem Solving Process Quick Reference English | Spanish | Portuguese |
Sentence Stems |
Problem Solving Process English | Spanish | Portuguese |
Problem Solving Process English | Spanish | Portuguese |
Coloring Sheets |
Problem Solving Process English | Spanish | Portuguese |
Problem Solving Process English | Spanish | Portuguese |
Journal Page |
Problem Solving Process |
Problem Solving Process Icons Slide Deck |
Posters |
Problem Solving Process Icons Poster |
Problem Solving Process JiJi Poster |
