Math Problem Solving


Students in all grade levels participate in higher level math problem solving
activities. Sometimes students practice computation based games such as
Krypto, Math Path, Code Breakers, and Calc. Other times students participate in group
investigations and independent problem solving. Students in grades 4 and 5
use the four step problem solving method. This method connects very well
with the Everyday Math program. Here are the four steps.

1. Find Out: What is the problem asking you to find out? Which information in the problem is important
and which is unimportant?

2. Choose a strategy: Devise your plan. Here you can brainstorm many ways to solve the problem
and choose the one you think will work best. Diagram, picture, chart, look for a pattern,
mathematical thinking, guess and check, logical thinking, work backwards, make it simpler,
act it out, and more.

3. Solve It: : Carry out your plan. Show your work. Use
charts, graphs, numbers, equations and/or words.
Label your work. Include an answer statement. This is a detailed answer in sentence form.

4. Look Back:
(Use some of these questions to help you think about your thinking.)
a. Explain how the problem can be connected to a real life situation.
b. Explain how this problem is similar to another problem.
c. Show how you checked your work.
d. Explain an alternative method to solve this problem.
e. Explain why your answer is reasonable. (Estimation)

Students' problem solving progress is measured using the rubric below. 

Problem Solving

ACCOMPLISHED (Grades 2-5)

Beginning

Developing

Accomplished

Exemplary

Identifies a problem

Has difficulty identifying the problem without teacher guidance.  Has minimal understanding of problem.

Identifies the problem without teacher guidance.  Has a general understanding of problem.

Recognizes and defines components of the given problem.   Has a good understanding of problem.

Clearly and thoughtfully identifies the diverse components of the complex problem.

Analyzes a problem and chooses an appropriate strategy

Has difficulty choosing an appropriate strategy without teacher guidance.

Chooses an appropriate strategy with minimal prompting.

Independently selects an appropriate strategy to simplify and/or solve a complex problem.

Independently selects an appropriate strategy to simplify and/or solve a complex problem and can justify the choice of strategy.

Recognizes and collects important data

Minimal data collected.  Data is unorganized.

Recognizes some important data.  Attempts to organize data.

Collects pertinent data and appropriately organizes it.

Accurately collects and organizes pertinent data.  Clearly conveys data to others in a meaningful way.

Draws conclusions and communicates thought processes required to reach a solution

Draws conclusions that are confusing, inaccurate, and/or lack justification unless given teacher guidance.

Draws conclusions with some key points and justification.

Draw conclusions based on the data collected.

Provides detailed justification using appropriate language and reasoning.

Draws conclusions and develops an innovative solution(s). Provides detailed and highly organized justification using precise language and extended reasoning.


NOTE:  Evaluation based on the level of complexity of the problem which will intensify as one continues throughout the grade levels.