Teaching Primary Grade Math Problem-Solving Skills

(Grades K-2) / Flex Course

PDI Course Number: 55T02 / UCSD Course Number: EDUC41609

Course Description

Do you have students who excel at math computation but get lost when it is time to problem solve with word problems? Mathematical standards have shifted the focus from simply teaching problem solving to teaching via problem solving. This online course is designed for teachers in grades K-2 who want to help their students become critical and logical mathematical thinkers. Specific strategies are introduced to improve the way students approach math problems. By the end of this course, teachers will more fully understand how to best help students apply their logic and reasoning to real-world mathematical examples, and they will have gained a multitude of valuable classroom ideas, including using manipulatives, grouping strategies, student-centered teaching, quality literature, as well as how to appropriately assess students in the problem-solving process. This course is worth 3 ⅓ semester units/5 quarter units (50 hours of training) from UC San Diego Extension. For detailed information on university credit, click here.

"This was a great class! I found many different activities to use with my kindergartners and found ways to engage my students and get them excited about math and problem solving. I also like the course documents you provided." - Julie Cufaude

Required Resource Book

This course has a modestly-priced required resource book (available in both new and used versions) that can be purchased through Amazon using the following link. Note that you can begin and participate in your course before the book arrives.

Common Core Sense: Tapping the Power of the Mathematical Practices by Christine Moynihan

If you are registering for multiple courses, use the following link to access the book list for all PDI courses with direct purchase links through Amazon. PDI Course Resource Book List