Problem Solving
Frequent Use Strategy
The Problem-Solving strategy engages students with the AKS through a relevant problem or challenge to develop knowledge and skills and to deepen understanding.
When using Problem-Solving, the teacher explicitly models, teaches, and engages students in a problem-solving process through relevant real-world problems to demonstrate mastery of the AKS.
When effectively applying the Problem-Solving strategy, teachers will strategically ask high-level questions, monitor students' progress, formatively assess student learning, and give timely and specific feedback. Students will engage in the problem-solving process by making predictions, conducting research, collecting evidence, developing solutions, and sharing their reasoning.
Problem-Solving is not isolated from the AKS as a separate event or an extension of the learning. It is not a culminating project, teacher directed, or contrived. Problem-Solving is most effective when it is student centered and requires students to develop deep understanding as they synthesize, evaluate, and/or create something new to demonstrate their learning of the AKS.
References
Model Lessons
Effect of Temperature on Solubility
Students will analyze graphs, read texts and discuss thinking through a Say Something protocol to develop the ability to respond to a problem based scenario in writing.
Qualitative Graphs: Heart Rate Monitoring
Students will describe the relationship between two quantities and sketch a graph that shows features of a function that has been described verbally.
Simplifying Expressions: Justified True/False Statements
The students will draw upon mathematical concepts and procedures to analyze their validity.
Videos
In this video, the teacher models how to analyze a pattern to extend. The teacher provides the opportunity to share their thinking on patterns.
In this video, the students are engaged in an activating strategy where they are engage in a problem and asked to share their findings. Students also exchange ideas to support the understanding of the problems.
In this video, the teacher engages students in a problem-solving task to start the learning for the math AKS
In this video, the teacher provides a framework the next steps in the learning for students to collaborate with peers.
In this video, the teacher monitors students as they work collaboratively to evaluate and communicate their findings for a math concept.
QPTS Instructional Tech Toolkit for Teachers
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