//Math Workshop benefit: Various Opportunities for Guided and Independent Problem Solving //

In order to create a classroom full of problem-solvers, educators must first create a supportive classroom environment that helps children to build these problem solving skills. Additionally, each students questions and opinions should be valued and mistakes should be seen as willingness to try and grow. Students should feel that their ideas and contributions are valued. If a classroom environment allows for students to feel supported and valued, then the children will ultimately feel comfortable and confident when developing and using problem solving skills, whether it is independently, collaboratively or during guided instruction.

As an educator striving to develop their students into young, problem solvers, consider the following questions:

1. Who does most of the talking during whole group, small group and one-on-one parts of the lesson?

- Educators should be doing around 30% of the talking, whereas the students should be doing about 70% of the talking!

- What do you notice about the balance of input from yourself and your students in your classroom?

2. What types of questions am I asking my students?

- Are you asking open ended questions or simply yes or no questions?

3. Which students are consistently answering my questions?

- Is it mostly the same students?

- Is it more often boys or girls?

- Are they above, below, or benchmark students?

4. What do I do when students respond to my questions?

- Do I praise them?

- Am I responding with simple responses such as no, yes, try again, right, etc.

- Do I ask another student to comment on what was said?

- Do I ask follow up questions?

5. How confident do my students appear to be regarding risk taking, suggesting new ideas, or making mistakes?

-What contributions are students making during discussions?

- Are students trying out new ideas?

- Is there evidence that students are trying new ideas?

- What do I do when students make a mistake or are off track with a concept?

For more information on incorporating various opportunities for guided and independent problem solving in your classroom please read the article Developing a Classroom Culture That Supports a Problem-Solving Approach to Mathematics by Jennie Pennant.

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