Recommendation 2
Assist students in monitoring and reflecting on the problem-solving process.
In math, instruction in problem solving is a vital for students to achieve college and career readiness. The What Works Clearinghouse has five recommendations for problem-solving in middle school that align with the MSM Field Guide’s research-based practices to help math teachers provide instruction in this area. This week we’ll be showcasing Recommendation 2: Assist students in monitoring and reflecting on the problem-solving process. (Safari users scroll to page 23 of the document)
Middle School Matters Field Guide Alignment
Mathematics and Mathematics Interventions
Math Principle 4: Develop students’ conceptual understanding of mathematics and provide ample opportunities to improve procedural fluency.
Math Principle 6: Instructions should include strategies for solving word and algebra problems that are based on common underlying structures.
More Tools for Improving Problem Solving
Schema-Based Instruction
The following schema-based instruction videos refer to teaching students the different word problem types so that students can solve word problems more efficiently. Students use the UPS Check strategy as a general word problem attack strategy while using their knowledge of word problem types.
Connecting Visuals to Problem Types
Math coaches and teachers can use this tool as a quick reference regarding appropriate visual representations for different types of problems. The purpose of the tool is to provide references that teachers and coaches can use while planning instruction in using visual representations in problem-solving.