Full Description
"The authors have provided a unique, strategy-focused resource supported by a wealth of engaging examples that mathematics teachers can readily use to help students develop a more purposeful, systematic, and successful approach to problem solving."
—Howard W. Smith, Superintendent
Public Schools of the Tarrytowns, Sleepy Hollow, NY
"Helps both new and veteran teachers better understand the nature of problem solving as a critical mathematics process. The authors present in very simple terms the strategies that are the backbone of mathematics instruction. This indispensable material is useful at all levels, from basic stages to advanced student work to the development of top problem solvers."
—Daniel Jaye, Principal
Bergen County Academies, Hackensack, NJ
Help students become skilled and confident problem solvers!
Demonstrating there is always more than one approach to solving a problem, well-known authors and educators Alfred S. Posamentier and Stephen Krulik present ten basic strategies that are effective for finding solutions to a wide range of mathematics problems. These tried-and-true methods—including working backwards, finding a pattern, adopting a different point of view, solving a simpler analogous problem, and making a visual representation—make problem solving easier, neater, and more understandable for students as well as teachers.
Providing numerous sample problems that illustrate how mathematics teachers and specialists can incorporate these techniques into their mathematics curriculum, this updated edition also includes:
A variety of new problems that show how to use the strategies
References to current NCTM standards
Solutions to the problems in each chapter
Extensive discussions of the empowering strategies used to solve sample problems
The second edition of Problem-Solving Strategies for Efficient and Elegant Solutions, Grades 6-12 helps teachers develop students' creative problem-solving skills for success in and out of school.
Contents
Preface
About the Authors
1. Introduction to Problem-Solving Strategies
2. Working Backwards
The Working Backwards Strategy in Everyday Life Problem-Solving Situations
Applying the Working Backwards Strategy to Solve Mathematics Problems
Problems Using the Working Backwards Strategy
3. Finding a Pattern
The Finding a Pattern Strategy in Everyday Life Problem-Solving Situations
Applying the Finding a Pattern Strategy to Solve Mathematics Problems
Problems Using the Finding a Pattern Strategy
4. Adopting a Different Point of View
The Adopting a Different Point of View Strategy in Everyday Life Problem-Solving Situations
Applying the Adopting a Different Point of View Strategy to Solve Mathematics Problems
Problems Using the Adopting a Different Point of View Strategy
5. Solving a Simpler Analogous Problem
The Solving a Simpler Analogous Problem Strategy in Everyday Life Problem-Solving Situations
Applying the Solving a Simpler Analogous Problem Strategy to Solve Mathematics Problems
Problems Using the Solving a Simpler Analogous Problem Strategy
6. Considering Extreme Cases
The Considering Extreme Cases Strategy in Everyday Life Problem-Solving Situations
Applying the Considering Extreme Cases Strategy to Solve Mathematics Problems
Problems Using the Considering Extreme Cases Strategy
7. Making a Drawing (Visual Representation)
The Making a Drawing (Visual Representation) Strategy in Everyday Life Problem-Solving Situations
Applying the Making a Drawing (Visual Representation) Strategy to Solve Mathematics Problems
Problems Using the Making a Drawing (Visual Representation) Strategy
8. Intelligent Guessing and Testing (Including Approximation)
The Intelligent Guessing and Testing (Including Approximation) Strategy in Everyday Life Problem-Solving Situations
Applying the Intelligent Guessing and Testing (Including Approximation) Strategy to Solve Mathematics Problems
Problems Using the Intelligent Guessing and Testing (Including Approximation) Strategy
9. Accounting for All Possibilities
The Accounting for All Possibilities Strategy in Everyday Life Problem-Solving Situations
Applying the Accounting for All Possibilities Strategy to Solve Mathematics Problems
Problems Using the Accounting for All Possibilities Strategy
10. Organizing Data
The Organizing Data Strategy in Everyday Life Problem-Solving Situations
Applying the Organizing Data Strategy to Solve Mathematics Problems
Problems Using the Organizing Data Strategy
11. Logical Reasoning
The Logical Reasoning Strategy in Everyday Life Problem-Solving Situations
Applying the Logical Reasoning Strategy to Solve Mathematics Problems
Problems Using the Logical Reasoning Strategy
Afterword by Herbert A. Hauptman
Sources for Problems
Readings on Problem Solving
Index
