Problem Solving and Enquiry 5-14

Primary 4-5

Teacher works with pupil

Here you can choose from a number of P4 and P5 classes as well as from composite classes in this age group. You can see a short video of a problem solving lesson and video clips of interviews with teachers. There is also text about their approaches to teaching problem solving, their planning, resources used and their recording, reporting and assessment procedures.

Solving problems by guessing and checking

Irene Skinner talks about her problem solving teaching at The High School of Glasgow. Her Junior 4 pupils work in pairs to solve a problem using the ‘Guess, check and improve’ strategy.

Cost problems solved and shared

Laura Baxter from St Matthew’s Primary School discusses her problem solving teaching. Her P4 pupils use super solutions boards in a problem solving lesson linked to their current topic in maths.

Working out a school timetable

Pamela Cassidy discusses her problem solving teaching. Her P4 pupils at Wemyss Bay Primary School carry out an open-ended investigation during the planning of a special maths week.

Calculating the costs of a class party

Gail Ash talks about problem solving teaching. Her P5 pupils at Grange Primary School carry out an open-ended investigation as they plan entertainment and food for a class party.

Cooperative learning instills confidence

Michael Deane discusses problem solving teaching at St Andrew’s Primary School. His P5 pupils work on problems using a cooperative learning approach, beginning with a group-building exercise. 

Creating coloured football strips

Victoria Hendry talks about her problem solving teaching for P3/P4 at Bishopmill Primary School. Her pupils follow a structured ‘traffic lights’ system for solving a problem concerning football strips.

Dividing sweets to learn about fractions

Barry Litherland discusses his investigative approach to the teaching of problem solving to a P4/P5/P6/P7 composite class at Borgue Primary School. His pupils begin an investigation based around fractions.

Programming to make different shapes

Janice McVicar from Howwood Primary School talks about her problem solving teaching. Her P4/P5/P6 pupils work on computers on a Terrapin Logo problem solving activity.

Problems solved by working in stages

Jon Posnett from Urafirth Primary School discusses his problem solving teaching. His P5/P6/P7 class follow structured steps for solving problems in a lesson about using the ‘Working backwards’ strategy.