Beneficial outcomes
Many schools that have successfully implemented problem solving programmes now see problem solving as much more than an element of the mathematics curriculum.
In this clip Maggie Muir, deputy head at Wemyss Bay Primary School, and Tom Reid, who has a P6 class in St Matthew’s Primary School, share their visions and experiences.
You may notice that among all the factors that Maggie and Tom list as attributes gained by pupils from their problem solving experiences, most are not directly related to mathematics.
Points to consider
Maggie and Tom both refer to pupils developing collaborative, interactive and personal qualities. Are these things that teachers should be thinking of when problem solving lessons and programmes are being planned?
Should such desirable outcomes be shared with pupils consistently before and during problem solving activities?
| Life skills derived from problem solving | |
|---|---|
| Description | A deputy headteacher and a principal teacher describe the life skills pupils gain from problem solving |
| Duration | 1 |
| Windows version |  Windows Media video: Life skills derived from problem solving |
| Mac version |  QuickTime movie: Life skills derived from problem solving |
| Transcript | Life skills derived from problem solving |