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 for teachers is designed for educators 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. Teachers will learn specific and effective strategies and techniques for teaching students how to problem solve including using manipulatives, grouping strategies, student-centered teaching, and using quality literature. Problem solving in the following areas of math are included: place value, number sense, geometry, measurement, and data. Differentiation techniques to address the problem-solving skill levels of all your students are shared. Appropriate assessment techniques specific to the problem-solving process are provided. By the end of this continuing education 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. This online professional development course is worth 3 ⅓ semester units/5 quarter units (50 hours of training) from University of California San Diego (UCSD) Division of Extended Studies. For detailed information on receiving university credit for your PDI professional development course, visit our credit page.
Need help? Allison Wynne, PDI Program Coordinator, is ready to assist.
"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
This course is worth 3 ⅓ semester units or 5 quarter units of graduate-level credit from UCSD.
You have up to one year from the date you are enrolled to complete a flex course.
View the online course syllabus.
Print our customized course approval form to share with your school district.
TOPICAL OUTLINE
UCSD Course Number: EDUC41609
Unit One
- Children as Problem Solvers
- Introduction to the NCTM Standards and Common Core State Standards for Mathematics
- Working Together: Using Problems as a Teaching Tool
- Assignment #1: Write an autobiography
- Test #1
Unit Two
- The Problem-Solving Process
- Models for Thinking
- Constructing Number Sense
- Place Value
- Assignment #2: Article reflection
- Test #2
Unit Three
- Types of Problems
- Computation Strategies
- Assignment #3: Share your expertise
- Test #3
Unit Four
- Problem Solving with Geometry
- Problem Solving with Measurement and Data
- Creating a Math Workshop
- Test #4
Unit Five
- Grouping Strategies
- Differentiation
- Using Manipulatives to Help Solve Problems
- Test #5
Unit Six
- Make it Meaningful—Real-World Problem Solving
- Using Literature to Teach Problem-Solving Skills
- Assessing Problem Solving
- Assignment #4: Create real-world math problems
- Assignment #5: Course Reflection
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