All students should be given problem solving strategies to further mathematics learning. Being able to solve problems in everyday life can lead to many advantages. Solving problems is not only a goal of learning mathematics but also a major means of helping students solidify the mathematical concepts. Problem solving should involve all Content Standards. It cannot be taught in isolation. Teachers play an important role in developing students' problem-solving strategies. They must choose problems that engage students while creating an environment that encourages students to explore, take risks, share failures and successes, and question one another. This environment will help students develop the confidence they need to explore problems and make adjustments in their problem-solving strategies.

The EdTech 2007 summer workshop focused on Problem Solving methods and some of the strategies needed to make students successful problem solvers. During each monthly EdTech workshop teachers will receive a problem to take back and use with their students. At the next workshop teachers will examine the student work from that problem and receive another problem that will emphasize another problem solving strategy.

Teaching Problem Solving Strategies

Working Backward
Fire-Up the Grill
Fire-UP the Grill (Student Copy)