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Traveling Teddy Bears Show Me The Math, Part 3A - Problem Solving and Math
Problem solving strategies are integral to our development and long term education. Implementing approaches and techniques to solve problems, especially in mathematics, provide a framework from which all things can be solved. This article reviews one of three such methods that can be used by both parents and educators. The strategies reviewed are based on the premise: What do you know? What do you need to know? And how do you get there?
Before examining the first problem solving strategy outlined in this article, let's get a short overview for integrating these approaches within the mathematics curriculum. Because problem solving is a primary focus and goal of mathematics in the real world, it is necessary for educators and parents to ensure that these strategies are introduced, practised and integrated into everyday life of their students and children. As students practise and become familiar and comfortable with the problem solving models, they become more confident in their abilities as learners and more specifically in their confidence as a learner of mathematics. These techniques are universal from the point of view that they are not restricted to the classroom environment. The principles and the strategies are applicable in all areas of life.
Problem solving helps to bring meaning to mathematical concepts and the ability for a student to apply knowledge in other areas of his/her life is enhanced by the continual exposure and practising of these concepts. Since this approach to solving problems involves communication, making connections and applying knowledge and skills, the developing brain connections become more complex and contribute to a student's ability to function more effectively. By providing problem solving situations for students in the classroom, we as educators can facilitate the progress and development of the student. We are able to assess the students' understanding of concepts, ability to apply the knowledge and communicate ideas and then we can create supplemental questions to move them forward to become more active problem solvers and ultimately, life-long learners.
When opportunities for solving problems are provided within the home environment, a cross over effect occurs and the students become aware, albeit subconsciously, that the principles learned in the classroom are applicable even after the bell rings at the end of the day. Problem solving strategies examined within the home schooling venue, are just as effective for the long term development of the child.
The mathematics curriculum is a perfect venue to introduce these strategies. Not only do problem solving opportunities provide developmental advantages, it also enhances and encourages a student's critical thinking skills in the form of estimating and evaluating, classifying, assuming, recognizing relationships between and amongst things, hypothesizing, recognizing relationships, making judgements, and offering reasonable explanations for their answers/decisions. One other aspect, often overlooked, is the resultant communications skills that develop as a result of the students having to "explain their thinking". Now, let's take a look at the first of three problem solving models available to parents and educators.
The first model is basically: What do you know? What do you need to know? And, how are you going to get there?
- By isolating the information that you know, irrelevant information is excluded from the mix.
- What you need to know is identified as the question in the problem. For example: How many more teddy bears traveled to Hawaii than to Australia? The last element in this problem solving strategy is:
- How are you going to get there? To answer this question, the student needs to decide what mathematical procedure he/she is going to apply to that problem. The student then applies the mathematical process to acquire the answer. Communication of results is part of the expectations within the classroom or home school environment.
This basic model can be applied to a spectrum of situations: mathematical, environmental, language, goal setting. The more complex the problem is, the more complex are the individual parts that make up each step in the problem solving strategy.
Look for the Traveling Teddy Bears Show Me The Math - Part 3B - Problem Solving and Math.
A veteran teacher of 14 years, Liz Vanderwater collects teddy bears and has incorporated traveling teddy bears into her classroom. Student teddy bears have traveled around the world and visited all 7 continents.
Source: www.ezinearticles.com