BIG IDEAS & PROBLEM SOLVING IN

JUNIOR MATH INSTRUCTION

Effective Math Programming
By Anupama Attri

Goals Of This Presentation

Big Idea
What are they?

The term Big Ideas is defined in the Grade 1-8 Ontario Mathematics
curriculum as: the interrelated concepts that form a framework for learning
mathematics in a coherent way.

http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/curriculum/elementary/math18curr.pdf

Key Principles of Maths Or Big Ideas

Problem Solving
What is it?

Problem solving is "the process of applying prior knowledge, experience,

skills, and understandings to new and unfamiliar situations in order to
complete tasks, make decisions, or achieve goals.

Problem Solving

Problem solving is central part of learning maths and is the primary focus and goal of
mathematics in the real world

By Learning to solve problems and by learning through problem, students are given
numerous opportunities to connect mathematical ideas and to develop conceptual
understanding.
(Ontario grade 1-8 curriculum)

Helps students become more confident and find enjoyment in maths

Allows students to use the knowledge they bring to school and helps them connect
maths with situations outside classroom

Helps students develop mathematical knowledge and gives meaning to skill and
concepts in all strands

Allows students to reason, communicate ideas, and apply knowledge towards the use of
critical thinking skills

Offers excellent opportunities for assessing students and understanding concepts

How to Problem Solve Effectively

Think about the problem

Select a Plan after reviewing options

Execute the strategy

Check your answer

Classroom Structures that Support Problem Solving

A Learning Environment

Help Children see, hear and feel maths

Promotes positive belief and attitude towards mathematics

Values prior knowledge

Building a community of learners

Encouraging connections of various kinds

Makes connection with the knowledge and the world

Focuses on important mathematical principles or big ideas

Explores concepts through problem solving

Includes a variety of learning resources

Is supported by the strong roles of teacher, admin and principal

Is supported by home

Source: www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/document/reports/math/index.html

Classroom Structures that Support Problem Solving

A Learning Environment

Infrastructure Support

Role of a Teacher in Problem Solving

Infrastructure Support

Bulletin B
oard

Daily challenges that can engage students in regular problem solving problem solving desk
and bulletin board provides a place in the classroom where interesting problems can be
posted.
An activity center during consolidation phase, where a teacher provides a problem for
students to solve as a group

Problem Solving Desk

Role of a Teacher in Problem Solving

Functioning as a problem solving facilitator, the teacher helps students by

Providing appropriate and challenging problems

Supporting and extending student learning

Encouraging and accepting students own problem solving strategies

Questioning and promptings students

Using think aloud to model how problem is tackled

Observing students and assessing their work as they solve problems

Anticipating conceptual stumbling blocks, noticing students who encounter

these blocks and helping them recognise and address their misconceptions.

References

http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/document/reports/math/math.pdf

http://
www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/document/reports/literacy/panel/literacy.pdf

https://prezi.com/4uxeb3-iu1oc/big-ideas-problem-solving-in-junior-math-ins
truction
/

http://
www.slideshare.net/phionahenry/big-ideas-and-problem-solving-math-instruc
tion

http://www.edugains.ca/resources/LearningMaterials/MathProcesses/MathPr
ocessessPackage.pdf