Middle School Math Problem Solving

(Grades 6-8) / Flex Course

PDI Course Number: 96T02 / UCSD Course Number: EDUC40104

Course Description

Have you ever wondered why some of your students excel in math but seem to falter when it comes to solving problems? This online course is designed for teachers in grades 6-8 who want to help their students become critical and logical mathematical thinkers. Information on the problem-solving process is shared together with distinct suggestions for incorporating specific problem-solving strategies such as thinking logically, predicting and estimating, using a model or diagram, creating a table to find a pattern, and using an algorithm or formula. Teachers will gain valuable classroom ideas including using manipulatives, developing real-world problems, checking and explaining solutions, how to differentiate within the math classroom, 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.

"The class content was clear and easy to read which made the course very easy to follow. The content was also extremely interesting and will be very useful throughout my teaching career. The resources chosen for the course helped me to gain so much knowledge and will give me the opportunity to improve the educational experience for my students in many ways." - Anthony DiMarco