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. 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 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 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 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