The educator provides a small number of problems that can be solved using different techniques. Students are instructed to write down how they would solve the problem step-by-step, including an explanation as to why they are taking each step.
Instructions
- Provide students with 1-3 problems that are related to the topic. Where possible, provide problems that can be solved using several different methods or techniques.
- Ask students to write down all the steps they take to solve the problems along with an explanation or justification for each step.
- Share the possible methods for solving each problem and get students to raise their hands to show which one they used. If any students used an alternative method, ask them to share it and check if it would work.
Resources
A small number of problems and step-by-step methods for solving them.
Variations
- Make it a group activity: Ask students to solve the problem in pairs or in groups.
- Make it share and compare: Ask students to exchange their answers with another individual, pair, or group and to compare each other’s solutions. Ask students to focus on differences, similarities and alternate approaches to problem solving.
- Make it stepped solving: At predetermined intervals, ask pairs or groups to exchange their answers so far and to continue solving the answer using the strategy the other pair or group started.
References
Documented Problem Solutions | Explore Learning and Teaching (griffith.edu.au)