Ten problem solving strategies

Sometimes problems are posed that provide challenges for students. The following problem solving strategies outline different ways that the parent or home tutor can encourage students to fi nd solutions and accept the challenge.

1. Guess and Check
   
   A guess and check approach requires careful attention to the important information in the problem. Often the resulting trial answer will be close to the solution. The next step in the process is to check the guessed answer against the conditions to determine if it is reasonable. If the answer is not reasonable the process is repeated until the correct solution is obtained.
   
   
2. Look for a Pattern
   
   To look for a pattern is to examine a series of shapes, colours, numbers or a combination of these to ascertain whether a pattern emerges and repeats.
   
   
3. Act It Out
   
   To act it out involves going through actions which give the problem ‘concreteness.’ This reality makes it easier to discover relationships leading to a solution. For example:    Actually use coins to solve a money problem.
   
   
4. Make a Drawing or Graph
   
   Drawing a diagram or graph shows the connection between pieces of information pictorially and this in turn leads to solution.
   
   
5. Write a Number Sentence
   
   This strategy is usually used after one or more other strategies have been applied. The problem is expressed as a number sentence from a written statement.
   
   
6. Make a Model
   
   Making a model is a way of visualising a problem by representing it concretely or pictorially.
   
   
7. Make a Table
   
   Making a table involves organising data in table form. It is an effi cient way of classifying data which will lead to the solution.
   
   
8. Solve a Simpler Related Problem
   
   Solving a simpler related problem involves setting aside the original problem and working through an easier, like example. The same solution method is then applied to the original problem.
   
   
9. Work Backwards
   
   In problem solving, working backwards involves determining how the action or process ends and then working from the end position to the solution.
   
   
10. Account for All Possibilities
    
    Accounting for all possibilities involves the systematic search for all possible solutions. It is usually achieved by constructing a table and looking for a pattern.