Problem Solving Techniques
Brief Description: This lesson uses the Suremath site of Howard
C. McAllister to help students with problem solving techniques.
Grade Levels: Middle School and high school students
Equipment/Materials: To use the Suremath examples, you'll need
a connection to the Internet and or web capturing software, computer or
computers, optional: computer projection.
Before the Lesson: Travel to the Suremath site and review the
content. There is much more on this site that you may wish to use in addition
the links listed here, but make sure you try the lesson links. In case
these links don't work, try the main site URL for Suremath
<http://www2.hawaii.edu/suremath/home.html>
Objectives:
- to help students develop a pattern for problem solving.
- to give students confidence in their ability to solve problems.
- to challenge students with problems they will want to solve.
- to introduce students to mathematics help online.
Procedures:
1. Ask your students what they think of math word problems. What types
of problems do they, for example, experience on standardized testing, for
homework, in the textbook, etc. Find out if they enjoy solving problems
and if they have a method for figuring out problems, especially those with
unknowns. Tell them today's lesson will be a "confidence booster"
for all those who worry over word problems.
2. Begin to write a math problem on the chalkboard. It might be something
such as, "Jimmy has half as many tee shirts as William who has . .
. . Let them put in some facts and have the class figure out the answers
to the problem(s) with their input. Ask them why these problems, even though
they might involve simple mathematics, can be confusing.
3. Put this problem <http://www2.hawaii.edu/suremath/the3Rs6.html>
on the board.
4 .Tell the students that they are going to learn a form or pattern
for solving this problem and that they can use this form or pattern for
other problems they encounter. Have them go as a class, in groups, or individually
online to the problem <http://www2.hawaii.edu/suremath/the3Rs6.html>
and follow this method for problem solving. If they need help, they may
use the tip <http://www2.hawaii.edu/suremath/the3Rs6.html#tip>.
5. Once they have all the lines in the pattern completed, have them
check the solution <http://www2.hawaii.edu/suremath/the3Rs6.html#answer>
and compare the solution to their work. Have them find out what they did
incorrectly, if anything.
6. Go over the pattern with the students. What do they do first in problem
solving, what comes next, etc.
7. Let them try more of the problems on the Suremath site.
Enrichment/Enhancements: Let students work with other problems
in their textbook to see if they can use this problem solving approach
effectively.
Have the students make up problems for each other to solve, but they'll
have to figure them out first themselves.
Survey the Suremath site for other math learning experiences that will
be of value to your students.
Suggestions for Parents: If you want your children to get practice
with problem solving and develop a confidence in their problem solving
skills, the Suremath site will be an excellent resource for you and your
children.
(We wish to thank Howard McAllister, Professor of Physics, for sharing
his work on the Apple site.)
