the problem with problem solving

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The Problem with Problem Solving Beverly Bowles MAED 5040 June 28, 2010

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  • 1. The Problem with Problem Solving
    Beverly Bowles
    MAED 5040
    June 28, 2010

2. Why Word Problems and Problem Solving?
Teachers do not like teaching them.
Students do not like working with them.
EOG is multiple choice.
Student complaints of Why do we need to know this?
3. Teachers Point of View
Do not possess tools to evaluate work
Have low confidence in ability
Bad past experiences
We learned traditional technique of memorization and procedural skills.
The possibility of more than one answer is scary!
4. Students Point of View
Surprise!!
Lack of understanding
Lack of motivation
Cannot recall information unless it is straightforward or teacher is assisting
5. What Can Teachers Do?
Do not rely on the textbook
Regularly incorporate non-routine problem solving tasks into classroom regimen
Classroom discussion
Allow students to take ownership of problem and classroom environment in regards to problem solving
Ownership leads to positive attitude
6. Helping Students Think
NCTM states problem solving is major goal of math education
Teachers struggle with implementation
Students need to develop ability to work on their own
Incorporate more discussion and reflection
Students and teachers gain more insight
7. Why Learn This?
Help prepare students for problems faced in everyday life
Incorporates real life problems
Promotes critical thinking and problem solving skills
Students do not have to be stuck with one strategy
Students can become better at choosing alternatives when one strategy does not work
8. Conclusion
Math should be learning activity
Teachers and students work along side each other
Students have to use skills attained to solve problems
Teachers need to explain rather than instruct
Shift focus from teachers to students
Everyone wins!!