Strategies for Problem Solving #2 Math 1510

        There are a number of ways to teach math but the textbook should not be the only resource that we use. Projects, small groups, modeling, and investigation were some of the tools mentioned in the video I watched this week. Students learn in a variety of different ways so using different strategies in the classroom will help reach more children. All these different classroom strategies help the student find different solutions to different problems.
        In problem solving we are teaching our students to look for a solution.These are steps that children learn so that the can become successful in their problem solving strategies. First we want them to understand the problem by asking important questions like: What does the situation involve? What has to be determined? What are the key data and conditions? What are some assumptions? After asking these questions we have to develop a plan by finding out what strategies will be useful are there subproblems, should we estimate or calculate the problem, and what method of calculation should be used. Then it is time to implement the problem  using the strategy and finding the answer. Always remember to look back to make sure the interpretation is correct, the calculation is correct, ask yourself if the answer is reasonable, or if there is another way to solve the problem.
        Problem solving is one of the Mathematical Process Standards that start in prekindergarten and follow children through grade 12. These standards help to enable students to build mathematical knowledge through problem solving, solve problems that arise, apply and adapt  a variety of strategies to solve problems, and monitor and reflect on the process of solving mathematical problems. Teaching the students problem solving strategies helps them to better understand  the problem solving process. Here is a video on strategies for problem solving that I found fun to view.