Problem_Solving

=12 Tips For Solving Word Problems=

Teaching Children How to Solve Mathematics Problems
[|Jun 19, 2008] [|**David R. Wetzel**] Children have a difficult time solving math word problems. However to develop a basic understanding of math they need to learn how to solve even the most difficult math problem. These difficult math problems are typically, word problems. Teaching children how to solve word problems in math is critical if they are to develop full understanding of math. Children can typically solve a math problem presented in numbers and equations. However when the same math problem is written in a paragraph or sentence format, many children have difficulty sorting the important information from the distracting information. It is not the fact they cannot solve the math problem in most cases, it is simply they do not know a plan or strategy for solving the problem.

Strategies for Math Problem Solving
The key to solving math word problems is to have a plan or strategy, which works in any math word problem solving situation. For children having problems with math word problems, the following 12 tips are provided for helping children become good problem solvers. = =
 * 1) Read the problem carefully looking for clues and important information. Write down the clues, underline, or highlight the clues.
 * 2) If necessary, rewrite the problem to help find these clues.
 * 3) Look for clues to determine which math operation is needed to solve the problem, for example addition, subtraction, etc. Look for key words like sum, difference, product, perimeter, area, etc. They lead to the operation needed to solve the problem.
 * 4) Look for what is needed solve the problem, for example: how many will are left, the total will be, everyone gets red, everyone gets one of each, etc.
 * 5) Use variable symbols, such as “X” for missing information.
 * 6) Eliminate all non-essential information by drawing a line through distracting information.
 * 7) Draw sketches, drawings, and models to see the problem.
 * 8) Is the word problem similar to a previous work, if so how was it solved.
 * 9) Develop a plan based on the information determined to be important for solving the problem.
 * 10) Carry out the plan using the math operations which were determined would find the answer.
 * 11) Does the answer seem reasonable, if it does then it is probably ok – if not then check the work.
 * 12) Work the problem in reverse or backwards, starting with the answer to see if you wind up with your original problem.

Please ADD MORE tips and ideas for helping students problem solve in mathematics!
This is a method I've used to help students remember the problem solving process. ~ Mr. Fitz

=RESOLVE =

__R__ ead the problem Note key words. What is known? What is unknown? What do you want to find? __E__ xplore the information Organize the info. Picture the problem. Do you know a related problem that helps? __S__ elect a strategy Find a pattern, make a table, work backwards, guess and check, draw a picture, logical reasoning __O__ rganize the information Make sure you remember what it is you are solving for __L__ et’s Solve! Use the strategy you selected, the information you gathered.Stay organized and neat __ V __ erify the answer Check back over your answer(s) for simple mistakes __ E __ xamine answer for reasonableness

=TeacherTube: Problematic Math =

Today's math curriculum is teaching students to expect -- and excel at -- paint-by-numbers classwork, robbing kids of a skill more important than solving problems: formulating them. At TEDxNYED, Dan Meyer shows classroom-tested math exercises that prompt students to stop and think.

media type="custom" key="6436699"