Teresa Watson

Instructional Strategy #2: Problem Solving Strategies – Draw a diagram

REVIEWER: Teresa Watson

TITLE: Problem Solving Strategies – Draw a diagram

SOURCE: Math Forum Library

“The Math Forum Is… … the leading online resource for improving math learning, teaching, and communication since 1992. _We are teachers, mathematicians, researchers, students, and parents using the power of the Web to learn math and improve math education. We offer a wealth of problems and puzzles; online mentoring; research; team problem solving; collaborations; and professional development. Students have fun and learn a lot. Educators share ideas and acquire new skills.”

SITE: http://www.mathforum.org/

DESCRIPTION: Drawing a diagram is the most common problem solving strategy. The diagram represents the problem in a way we can “see” it, understand it, and think about it while we look for the next step. “Common sense questions posed to students in a natural and unobtrusive way to encourage independence and internalization.” Students make lists and draw diagrams, such as the Venn diagram. Step 1. Practice Step 2. Solve easy problems Step 3. Calculate answers

NCSCOS

Competency Goal #4: The learner will understand and use graphs and data analysis.

Objective 4.01  Collect, organize, analyze, and display data (including scatter plots) to solve problems.

EXPLANATION & ELABORATION OF STRATEGY (Drawing a diagram):  

Students will see how commonalities can work to their advantage in analyzing data using the Venn diagram.

Another site: www.pred.boun.edu.tr/ps/