Three instructional coaches share more than 200 of the most helpful problem-solving strategies they've used in their decades-long work with teachers, administrators, and coaches. "The Instructional Coaching Handbook" is not a new model of coaching. It addresses common hiccups that prevent productive coaching conversations from happening…

Fermi problems are problems which, due to their difficulty, can be satisfactorily solved by being broken down into smaller pieces that are solved separately. In this article, we present different sequences of activities involving Fermi problems that can be carried out in Secondary School classes. The aim of these activities is to discuss…

REL Southeast developed this facilitator's guide on the topic of mathematical problem solving for use in professional learning community (PLC) settings. The facilitator's guide is a set of professional development materials designed to supplement the What Works Clearinghouse practice guide, Improving Mathematical Problem Solving in Grades 4…

The book that inspired millions of educators to refine their approach to teaching returns for an all-new third edition. Built on a more rigorous research base and updated to emphasize student diversity, equity, and inclusion, "The New Classroom Instruction That Works" offers a streamlined focus on the 14 instructional strategies proven…

This column presents ideas and techniques to enhance science teaching. In this month's issue an upper elementary Science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) challenge brings an engineer into the classroom while emphasizing cooperation, communication, and creativity. STEM activities come in various shapes and sizes. Some are quite involved…

The new Common Core State Standards for Mathematics have been formulated to provide students with instruction that will help them acquire a thorough knowledge of math at their grade level, which will in turn enable them to move on to higher mathematics with competence and confidence. "Hands-on Activities for Teaching the Common Core Math…

Different techniques for understanding a problem can lead to ideas for never-used-before solutions. Good problem-solvers use a problem-solving strategy and may come back to it frequently while they are working on the problem to refine their strategy, see if they can find better solutions, or find other questions. Writing is an integral part of…

This guidance report focuses on improving the quality of teaching of mathematics to pupils in Key Stages 2 and 3. The decision to focus on these Key Stages was made after an initial consultation period with teachers, academics, and other stakeholders. Schools are seeking advice on adjusting to a new curriculum, and there is also concern about…

Empower students to become creative, well-rounded citizens who are prepared to meet and overcome real-world challenges. With "Teaching for Transfer," you'll discover a road map for reconfiguring K-12 classroom instruction to ensure learners can expertly apply their knowledge and skills to new contexts. The resource includes ample…

Traditionally, small-group math instruction has been used as a format for reaching children who struggle to understand. Math coach Kassia Omohundro Wedekind uses small-group instruction as the centerpiece of her math workshop approach, engaging all students in rigorous "math exchanges." The key characteristics of these mathematical conversations…

Describes a student project that enables students to experience problem-solving strategies and construct their own understandings of the problem-solving strategies by researching the problem-solving process itself, uncovering and defining strategies that they can subsequently use to solve problems, and exploring the impact that attitude has on…

Paraeducators provide important support and instruction to children in educational settings. As classroom leaders, general education and special education teachers must provide quality supervision and professional development for the paraeducators working in their classrooms. Despite the infusion of paraeducators in educational settings over the…

The author suggests that experience in school with math and other problem-solving strategies can help provide children with skills necessary for addressing the more difficult problems they encounter outside the controlled school environment. Sample problem-solving strategies are provided. (Author/SJL)

Methods for teaching problem-solving strategies for word problems to students with learning disabilities are described in the context of the 1989 National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Curriculum and Evaluation Standards. Examples are given for using the specific strategies of diagrams, ratio equations, tables, and inverse operation…

Demonstrates how teachers can move their students from the novice into the expert range of problem-solving strategies. Utilizes a problem-solving model that follows how such skills develop. (DDR)