The+Process+of+Problem+Solving

Problem Solving [PS] Learning through problem solving should be the focus of mathematics at all grade levels. When children encounter new situations and respond to questions of the type, “How would you ...?”, “Can you ...?”, or “What if ...?”, the problem-solving approach is being modelled. Children develop their own problem-solving strategies by being open to listening, discussing, and trying different strategies. In order for an activity to be problem-solving based, it must ask children to determine a way to get from what is known to what is sought. If children have already been given ways to solve the problem, it is not problem solving but practice. A true problem requires children to use prior learnings in new ways and contexts. Problem solving requires and builds depth of conceptual understanding and student engagement. Problem solving is a powerful teaching tool that fosters multiple and creative solutions. Creating an environment where children actively look for, and engage in finding, a variety of strategies for solving problems empowers children to explore alternatives and develops confidence, reasoning, and mathematical creativity.