Problem Solving /What to Look for in Classroom Instruction
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Students are doing problem solving on a regular basis to build capacity.
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The classroom environment is supportive of the process of problem solving (it is ok to
struggle, problem solving is messy, we learn from mistakes)
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Problems are matched to concepts in the current unit of instruction
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The classroom environment is not answer driven/Student reasoning, meta-cognition and
written explanation are emphasized
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The classroom teacher facilitates problem solving, but does not “save” the students
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Poster Method Components: individual work; group work; group data sheet; visit; written
explanation; circle discussion
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Alternative method Components: individual work; group work; rotation of students to
different groups; hint process; individual write up including verification
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Scoring Rubric: consistent across a grade level; consistent expectations across grade levels at a
school
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Student Product: consistent format for each grade and consistent expectations across a school