15 March 2015

Problem Solving in Maths

I have been experimenting with maths problem solving for students who aren't in a teaching group with the teacher. There are many practise equations we can give students, but how far can we go with problem solving?

This activity has been set up in Explain Everything for students to work independently or in pairs. Being able to copy pages in this app means creating activities like this quick and easy.


Students are able to record by typing or using the draw tool with a stylus (or even a finger).













But what really pushes the activity higher in the SOLO thinking taxonomy is the record button. This allows students to go beyond uni and multi lateral thinking of discrete ideas, into relational and extended abstract thinking. By recording what they found out about the relationship between the products, any patterns or observations they are having to think more deeply that just discrete answers.

The next learning step is for students to create their own Explain Everything problem page.

3 comments:

  1. I like the fact that this can be revisited by the student, far more effective than re-reading a solution in their maths book. I want to do something similar in my maths class.

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  2. I like the fact that this can be revisited by the student, far more effective than re-reading a solution in their maths book. I want to do something similar in my maths class.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I really like what you've done with this activity and how you've incorporated the recording element to hear what the learners are thinking. Hearing the thoughts of the learner is so valuable and really extends the activity! I'd be really keen to see how the students did with your NSL. You've inspired me to incorporate voice into my maths lessons more!

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