Math is about solving problems. Whether or not our students will go on to become mathematicians, the will certainly encounter problems of some kind where they will need skills in order to push through and solve. The following are 7 habits that I teach my students, in order for them to become good problem solvers.
A good problem solver:
Analyzes all the given information, and determine what is helpful and what is not. Students should get in the habit of filtering through the data they are presented with to find out what is actually useful.
Considers multiple entry points. They do not just take the first route that pops in their mind, but they inspect the problem to find various ways to get to the solution.
Plans their solution pathway. Once they know their entry point, they carefully plan out their steps that they will take tp arrive at an answer.
Considers similar (and simpler) problems and how to apply what they know about those to new problems. By evaluating other problems they have encountered, they can adapt the methods used to get to the solution of their current problem.
Stops to consider their progress, and makes change as necessary (sometimes starting over with a new entry point). Rather than waiting until they get to a dead end or run into a snag, good problem solvers are continually evaluating how they are advancing, and can anticipate the need to switch approaches.
Always asking: “Does this make sense?” They make sure each step they take is has a rationale, making sure that the steps they take and solutions they reach are sound and logical.
Checks their solution using various methods. Even after reaching a solution, a good problem solver knows they are not done yet. Using multiple ways, they check the accuracy of their solution by testing it to ensure it is correct.
Check out this poster set to hang in your classroom!
Which habit do you think is the most important?
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