Problem solving and enquiry 5-14 Mathematics: 'I Can Solve Problems' support pack
Glasgow City Council's 5-14 support pack 'I Can Solve Problems' is a practical guide to assist teachers of mathematics in the development of problem solving and enquiry skills throughout primary and secondary schools.
The materials available, although aimed initially at primary pupils, would also be suitable for secondary pupils. The support pack contains a wide range of resources including ten stand-alone problems at each of the levels A to E. However the pack contains much more than a set of problems, and could be seen as a professional development opportunity for teachers to explore their own teaching of problem solving as well as containing useful resources for the classroom.
It is a set of materials which places problem solving and enquiry firmly at the heart of mathematics and not as a 'bolt on' activity. The pack reinforces cross-curricular activities and promotes problem solving as a life skill. With increased experience of tackling unfamiliar problems, pupils should be able to develop life enhancing skills, such as persistence, willingness to 'have a go', team work etc, while also acquiring a toolkit of strategies to tackle the problems.
Interactive, participative and collaborative methods which engage pupils actively in learning are promoted throughout and it is hoped that the pack will enable teachers to take forward problem solving in an enjoyable and dynamic way.
The 'I Can Solve Problems' pack contains:
- Information on the problem solving process
- Ideas to assist the development and progression of pupil strategies across levels
- Ideas to assist the development of skills and attitudes required to be an effective problem solver
- Advice on effective learning and teaching
- Problem solving across the curriculum – ideas and advice
- Stand-alone problems from level A to E
- Worksheets to support the problem
- Warm up activities for each problem
- Teacher notes including aims, lesson structure, timings etc
- Solutions for each problem
- Ideas and tasks to enable pupils to become confident and competent problem solvers, encouraging them to think for themselves
- A selection of certificates and posters to encourage confidence and enthusiasm for problem solving
The pack is available on CD only.
For further information on this pack, contact:
Wendy O'Donnell, Adviser in Mathematics
Wheatley House, 25 Cochrane St, Glasgow, G1 1HL
PDF file: Level A Ladybird spots