1. Problem Solving in Japanese Maths Lessons
Common for problems to be presented without a teacher having already demonstrated a procedure to solve the problem.
General aim of developing problem solving skills is rated as being more important than to solve a specific task.
Students are expected to justify solutions and critique a variety of strategies and representations.
Teachers plan anticipated responses - alternative solutions and misconceptions.
Board work (bansho) should be purposeful to connect different parts of the lesson, and show all solutions simultaneously to be critiqued.

6. Problem Solving in Japanese Maths Lessons
“Pupils' problem solving skills underpin Japanese students' high scores in international studies - they tackle maths they haven't been taught.”
Geoff Wake, University of Nottingham

7. Problem Solving in Japanese Maths Lessons
The typical structure to problem solving lessons in Japan is:
Hatsumon - Present problem - think on own: 5-10 mins
2) Kikan-shido - Problem solving - teacher looks for anticipated solutions: mins
3) Neriage - Compare and discuss - critique solutions.
Make connections: mins
4) Matome - summing up by teacher: 5 mins

11. Problem Solving in Japanese Maths Lessons
Development of problem solving skills - talk to other students (pairs or small groups) and read their work
- write about ideas that they liked from other students
- have time to develop own work having been inspired by other students
- consider “compare & discuss” section to check/develop understanding
- teacher may sit students with different approaches next to each other to expose them to alternative thinking, to support reasoning skills development