Chapter 2: Make Sense of Problems and Persevere in Solving Them Lauren Mattiza Kindergarten Reagan Elementary

Video Clip Perseverance

Making Sense of Problems Being able to get the RIGHT ANSWER, doesn’t mean we understand HOW TO solve math problems. Our new definition of proficiency includes knowing WHEN, WHY, and HOW to apply calculations to problem solving situations.

Mathematically Proficient Students Check their answers to problems using a different method. Ask themselves, “Does this make sense?” They can understand HOW students solved the problem using other strategies and identify similarities and differences between their own problem solving approach.

Putting it into practice Classroom Practice Video

Students need these 3 things to become good problem solvers: Believe it’s POSSIBLE to solve the problem Recognize that CONFUSION is part of the process Discover that PERSISTANCE pays off!

Overall Teaching problem solving is more than assigning problems to our students. It is a balance of guided experiments, in which we support the development of students’ thinking skills, as well as investigative experiences in which our students develop skills through trial-and-error experiences.