Research on teaching problem solving

The most important part of problem solving is the answer

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Discussing the choices made, paths taken and pros and cons of different approaches has greater impact over time.

The purpose of spending time solving or attempting to solve problems is so children have relevant experience to be able to contribute to such discussions.

Problem solving is a waste of time for lower attainers

• True

• False

Answer explanation

All children should have opportunities to solve problems

Problems for high attainers should involve more demanding reasoning and problem solving skills, not just harder numbers

• True

• False

Answer explanation

E.g. add a constraint, ask children to generalise or create a harder example of the problem

Problems should only be given once the linked content knowledge is secure

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Generally, this is true though there are ways of developing fluency and reasoning through problem solving.

(See example)

Children should be encouraged to draw visual representations

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Where appropriate, examples include bar models, part-whole models, tables.

Informal drawings can also be useful.

Which of these has strong evidence for effectively teaching problem solving?

• Showing and discussing alternative approaches to a problem

• Using mnemonics like 'RUCSAC' to support children with their approach

• Teachers thinking aloud whilst modelling how they plan, monitor and evaluate their approach to a problem

Answer explanation

Mnemonics can stop children from thinking mathematically, instead encouraging surface-level thinking.

Teachers should scaffold...

• the problem solving process

• the problem

Answer explanation

Scaffolding a problem is a short-term aid to solving that particular problem.

Scaffolding the problem solving directs attention to the features of the problem they are working on. This more generic support helps children when they meet similar problems in the future.

Which of these are essential for children to learn how to problem solve?

• Isolated problem solving lessons

• Difficult problems

• Practising in pairs or small groups

Answer explanation

Problem solving should feature in most lessons BUT not every lesson needs to be problem-solving-focused.

Challenge is a 'desirable difficulty' for children to make progress when solving unfamiliar problems.

Collaborative problem solving allows children to share and rehearse their ideas. They may also benefit from increased working memory - literally 'putting heads together'.

This isn't essential for problem solving though so I've been mean and not given points for this :-)