We know that problem solving is an effective way for students to learn to think mathematically and to acquire deep knowledge and understanding of the mathematics they are learning. This is why it is so important that we find ways to introduce problem solving into our classrooms. But the implementation of problem solving in a classroom where the students are not used to problem solving is not a fertile setting for success. What teachers need are a set of tools to help them push through this early resistance. In this session we will look at a series of such tools, emerging from research and specifically designed to build a conducive problem solving environment in the classroom, and present the results of research that investigates their effectiveness in helping teachers to kick-start the use of problem solving in their teaching. Results indicate that a problem solving environment and culture can be quickly established even in very traditional classrooms.

Resources:

Building Thinking Classrooms: Conditions for Problem-Solving by Peter Liljedahl [PDF]

 

Peter Liljedahl's Presentation [PPTX] [PDF]

 

Peter Liljedahl: Tax Man [Good Problems]