EDTC Blog Post #4

Question: What problem-solving tools online can be used to help my students learn?

Teaching math I push to teach problem-solving whenever applicable. To get students to think 
about reasoning our district uses the system called, “Number Talks”. The website shows examples
 in elementary to middle school, but it can go all the way to high school. I have used it a few times 
each year since we adopted it. The program is great for students to learn about others thinking and 
opens them up to new ideas. I highly recommend that teachers of all grade levels use this strategy 
or something similar to teach reasoning. The sooner the better so the students can master more 
difficult reasoning strategies when they get to algebra, geometry, and algebra two.

With technology being introduced into the classroom it has let me work with students in a 
differentiated approach to help them with their problem-solving abilities no matter what level of 
reasoning they may have. What I wanted to find are apps or websites that could help me teach 
problem-solving strategies, Vanessa found a good resource that is applicable toward a multitude 
of different classes. The resource, “Curriki” provides teachers with modules comprising of:

• Introduction to Computational Thinking
• Decomposition
• Pattern Recognition
• Abstraction and Pattern Generalization
• Algorithm Design

All of these different modules are good sources of professional development. From the website it 
says that each module contains:

• One or more short videos containing content about the topic, the role it plays in Computational
  Thinking and practical implementation methods in the classroom
• A “Take Home Messages” guide to the video(s)
• A printable/downloadable Self-Evaluation and Answer Key to check your understanding
• A collection of vetted resources—links to open source teacher- and student-facing activities

A good resource for elementary teachers to teach problem-solving through fun, enrichment apps is 
from the website, “firgur8”. It gets students to think about non-routine problems with games that get 
the students engaged. My question didn’t really get answered for my specific subjects or grade level, 
but I found more resources that would be helpful for the elementary and middle school teachers 
looking for enrichment activities that will help students learn about problem-solving.