Teddy Bears » Job Related Teddy Bears
Traveling Teddy Bears Show Me The Math, Part 3C - 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 the third of three such methods that can be used by both parents and educators. They are reviewed based on the premise: What do you know? What do you need to know? And how do you get there?
The first and second problem solving articles discussed a simple model and a more complex scientific model, respectively. The third of these three strategies is outlined in the current article. Because this is an integral part of the real world, it is necessary for educators and parents to ensure its introduction, practise and integration into everyday life of their students and children. As students practise and become familiar and comfortable with their own models, their confidence increases and the ability to apply the strategies learned at school and at home, can be integrated into other areas of their lives as needed. As mentioned in the previous article: All skills are learnable!
Problem solving involves communication, making connections and applying knowledge and skills. Increased practise and exposure to increasingly more complex problems helps to develop more integrated brain connections. A student's ability to function more effectively would be a necessary outcome. By providing real life examples to students in the classroom, we as educators can facilitate the progress and development of the student. By assessing the students' understanding of these concepts, and the ability to apply the knowledge and communicate ideas, we are better able to create supplemental and more developmentally challenging situations to move them forward to become more active life-long problem solvers.
When opportunities for active learning 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 for problem solving opportunities. It provides developmental advantages, 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 communication skills that develop as a result of the students having to "explain their thinking".
Now, let's take a look at the third and final model being discussed in these articles.
The 4-Step Problem Solving strategy falls somewhere in between the other two in terms of complexity.
- Step 1 would be to Understand the Problem and this could be achieved by rereading and communicating understanding of the problem out loud.
- Step 2 is to Make A Plan in order to solve the problem. This can be achieved by relating the current problem to previous problems and applying similar strategies to solve it.
- Step 3 is to Carry Out The Plan. Simply put: execute the problem solving strategy identified in Step 2.
- Step 4 is to Look Back at the Solution. Here is where estimating, and understanding whether or not the answer is reasonable comes into play. A cautionary note here: students often rely on the calculator answers as being 100% accurate. They need to be made aware that the information coming out of the calculator is only as good as the information being fed into the calculator. This is also the rationale for ensuring students practise their estimation skills! They can then take one look at an answer and know immediately if it makes sense or not.
Throughout each of the models discussed in the three articles, communication of results [either in written, visual or oral format] is a given. Oral communication, logical thinking and group skills are also easily developed in this venue.
Problem solving strategies are not unique to mathematics. However, through this venue, students are able to develop these skills and then apply them to situations and experiences outside the classroom. Using teddy bears in education to implement these strategies is a great motivator, since the information can be made relevant to the activities and destinations enjoyed by their travels.
Check back for Traveling Teddy Bears Show Me The Math - Part 4 - Thinking And Math
Liz Vanderwater is a veteran teacher of 14 years and incorporates teddy bear travels into her curriculum. The Teddy Bears On The Go website chronicles the travels of these bears and includes the travel updates authored by the students.
Source: www.articletrader.com