Class Activities
Charboneau Learning Center
of The Literacy Project
15 Bank Row, Greenfield, MA 01301
413-774-3935
 
G.E.D. & Pre-G.E.D.
MATH
Working Systematically to Solve Problems

Problem Solving Strategies

Some problem solving strategies routinely emphasized in class are mentioned below. Still, one of the great things about working as a community of learners is that new and surprising ways of viewing and solving problems can arise at any time from an individual learner or the group as a whole.

Learning Steps and Procedures

Counting - Adding and Subtracting - Multiplying and Dividing- Parts of one Unit and Wholes based on many units - Units with values that change - using Tables, Graphs and Equations to describe change . . .

. . .taking the time to record your steps - learning ways of noting your steps so that others can follow and understand . .. seeing the simplicity in the complex and the complex in the simplicity. . .

Abstract Thinking

Sometimes "common sense" is wrong! And, we can persist in strange errors until we develop ways of looking at HOW we make sense of the world and our problems. "Thinking about thinking" can seem pretty abstract, but sometimes it's the simple key that makes once "impossible" things look easy. Sometimes the nitty gritty of Math can help someone see the connections between what seems very concrete and what seems hopelessly abstract. Often, it just long series of very simple steps.

Estimation and Number Sense

And, sometimes common sense is the best way to make sure an answer or a procedure is reasonable. Sometimes, it takes a lot of practice to make these procedures part of your every day "toolkit."

Using Paper

"The key to passing the MATH G.E.D. test is 'SCRAP PAPERMANAGEMENT". One way to look at your thinking is to put your ideas down on paper. Using paper wisely is also very helpful in checking for errors. It's hard to retrace your steps if you don't leave footprints. .

Checking Yourself

Sometimes it's good to be able to catch your own errors first. Other times it takes a group to see a situation clearly. Checking tools can be machines like calculators or concepts like the reversibility of operations. The best tools are like Estimation and a "Sense of Reasonableness" when they are part of you, and no one can take them away.

CURRICULUM FRAMEWORKS