When I talk to other teachers about math, they want a way to
help their students to be problem solvers. To be true problem solvers, students
need to frequently solve a wide variety of problems. A couple years ago, I
created a problem solving graphic organizer which broke problem solving down
into 8 steps. I have found that these steps are helpful for some students and
slow down the thinking process for other students. For me, this is one of those
times where it is important for me to know my students. Which students need the
step by step and which students see the big picture.
I believe all students should begin with “#1 What are you
supposed to figure out?” In a multiple choice question, this is the last
sentence right before the answer choices. After reading the question, students learn
their goal for the problem. Once students read the rest of the problem they
will devise a plan to accomplish their goal. It might involve one step or
several steps. When students believe they have the answer, they need to go back
to the question. They need to ask themselves if they answered the question
being asked or some other question.
