Problem Solving
The first thing to try to remember is that maths and problem solving in particular has a dual-role. The first is that it is a tool for life. Many of the skills we teach and nurture are required in later life or at least provide the foundations for the jobs and roles the children will fulfill when they are older. Of course, the second role that maths has is maths for math's sake! It is a subject of immense beauty that can be enjoyed if you have the confidence required! The links here serve either one or both of the purposes mentioned.
This picture shows a piece of work completed by a year 4 pupil. The lesson was an ICT lesson however the amount of 'maths' needed to complete the work is considerable. Angles, maths language, measurement, 2D shape etc. were all required before you could even think about this complex but exciting task. Just a quick example of what is required to solve problems in areas other than pure mathematics.MathsNet Turtle allows you to complete this sort of thing online!
Some Links To Get You Started
Primary Resources - Some age-related tasks for you to complete with your children.
ATM - Some free resources (and some for those of you with older children)
DCSF Website - Government guidance on Problem Solving (2 downloads)
NRICH - Brilliant, colourful resources for problem solving at a range of levels.
In The Future
We are currently in the process of designing some small videos to share on our website that show some of the techniques we employ at school to help with developing our problem solving skills. Please look out for these later in the year.
Thanks
Mr Lavis
