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Problem Solving in Mathematics, Grades 3-6
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Problem Solving in Mathematics, Grades 3-6
Powerful Strategies to Deepen Understanding

Edited by:


February 2009 | 152 pages | Corwin

"Demonstrates problem solving strategies with solutions and teaching notes and allows the teacher to create a collection of problems to fit a particular grade level."
—Janice L. Richardson, Associate Professor and Education Coordinator, Department of Mathematics
Elon University

Help students succeed as problem solvers in and out of the classroom!

Problem solving skills are critical to students' success in mathematics, but the techniques can't be caught; they must be taught. Based on the premise that educators must take a deliberate approach to the teaching of problem solving skills, this book helps teachers engage students in the process.

Problem Solving in Mathematics, Grades 3–6 stresses the importance of problem solving in mathematics and presents nine strategies that students can use to solve problems, such as working backwards, finding a pattern, making a drawing, or solving a simpler equivalent problem. Each chapter demonstrates how teachers can:

  • Apply the strategies to problems at different grade levels
  • Incorporate these strategies into a mathematics program
  • Understand how each strategy can be applied to real-life situations
  • Make each strategy an integral part of students' thinking processes

With helpful teaching notes, sample problems for students that fit into any mathematics curriculum, and step-by-step solutions to sample problems, this book is perfect for teachers who want their students to succeed in mathematics!


 
Acknowledgments
 
About the Authors
 
Preface
 
1. An Introduction to Problem Solving
 
2. Organizing Data
Applying the Organizing Data Strategy

 
Teaching Notes

 
Problems for Students

 
 
3. Intelligent Guessing and Testing
Applying the Intelligent Guessing and Testing Strategy

 
Teaching Notes

 
Problems for Students

 
 
4. Solving a Simpler Equivalent Problem
Applying the Solving a Simpler Equivalent Problem Strategy

 
Teaching Notes

 
Problems for Students

 
 
5. Acting It Out or Simulation
Applying the Acting It Out or Simulation Strategy

 
Teaching Notes

 
Problems for Students

 
 
6. Working Backwards
Applying the Working Backwards Strategy

 
Teaching Notes

 
Problems for Students

 
 
7. Finding a Pattern
Applying the Finding a Pattern Strategy

 
Teaching Notes

 
Problems for Students

 
 
8. Logical Reasoning
Applying the Logical Reasoning Strategy

 
Teaching Notes

 
Problems for Students

 
 
9. Making a Drawing
Applying the Making a Drawing Strategy

 
Teaching Notes

 
Problems for Students

 
 
10. Adopting a Different Point of View
Applying the Adopting a Different Point of View Strategy

 
Teaching Notes

 
Problems for Students

 
 
Readings on Problem Solving

“A wonderful collection of problems that were thoroughly researched and presented.”

Timothy J. McNamara, National K-12 Consultant/Professional Developer
Author, Teaching Essential Mathematics, Grades K-8

“Helps fill a gap in the field of mathematics education—a specific explication with appropriate examples of the variety of problem solving approaches.”

Pearl Solomon, Author
The Math We Need to Know and Do in Grades PreK–5

“Demonstrates problem solving strategies with solutions and teaching notes and allows the teacher to create a collection of problems to fit a particular grade level.”

Janice L. Richardson, Associate Professor and Education Coordinator, Department of Mathematics
Elon University
Key features
  • Demonstrates how to apply the strategies to problems at different grade levels
  • Analyzes and discusses how to use the strategies to solve various problems
  • Shows how each of these strategies occurs in and ought to be consciously used in real-life situations
  • Offers guidance for incorporating these strategies into the mathematics program
  • Helps make each strategy a part of the teacher's thinking processes

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ISBN: 9781452272610

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