How to help elementary school students master problem solving

Sometimes a small change in perspective can have big results! For instance, you could encourage your students to look at the question as a fun puzzle rather than a dreaded math problem. It can also be helpful to outline different problem-solving strategies. Explain what makes a good math word problem and a good solution strategy. In some cases, a close estimate is better than an exact number.

When it comes to problem solving, students should be encouraged to try new things, accept doubt and uncertainty, and use their intuition when choosing a solution strategy. Some students go for the trial-and-error method, while others arrive at the correct answer by following a different path than expected. When this happens, it can be interesting to share and discuss these approaches with your other students.

Students often struggle to visualize math word problems in their minds. To make things more concrete, you could help them create a visual aid, either by building a model using craft materials or by organizing the key information in a diagram, drawing, or chart. You could also show them how to make a mind map.

Here are some other ways to get creative when teaching problem solving:

• Present the problem in an original format (e.g., a comic strip)
• Use riddles, mathematical paradoxes, and guessing games
• Organize a rally or scavenger hunt
• Etc.

To help your students master problem solving, check out Alloprof’s tools and resources. Here are just a few:

• It can be helpful to display step-by-step instructions on how to solve a math word problem in your classroom. Simply visit our website and print out this poster (French only). Refer to it when you go over a problem in class to help your students learn the process.
• To go one step further, check out our article on problem-solving tips (French only).
• Students who want additional help can also visit the Alloprof Help Zone, a free collaborative space, open seven days a week, where students can give and receive explanations validated by the Alloprof team. You could even plan a similar in-class activity, where one student asks a question and their peers offer explanations.

When solving math word problems, two heads (or more) are better than one! There are plenty of ways to foster group work in the classroom:

• Have problem solving sessions.
• Form small discussion groups of students with varying skill levels.
• Organize brainstorming activities.
• After your students finish an individual assignment, discuss it all together.
• Talk to your class about common mistakes. For example, you could have a “mistake of the week” discussion period.
• Etc.

In many cases, confusion arises because students have trouble understanding the semantics and structure of the math problem, and because the situation described is far removed from real life. One way to help is to provide more context. If your students can connect the problem to their everyday life and socio-cultural reality, they will have an easier time making sense of it. When turning math problems into real-life examples, consider young people’s experiences: what they buy at the convenience store or supermarket, what sports they follow, what public transportation they take, what local cultural events they enjoy, etc. Finally, help your students summarize the problem in their own words. Once they do, the solution will be one step closer!