Mrs. Zuperku
Problem Solving Goals
We have had a busy two weeks in pre-algebra as we completed our unit on equation solving and started exploring inequalities. The scholars have seen many similarities between these two units. One thing we have been talking about in class is the value in trying to solve problems that you have never tried before. The students readily admit that, often in math, they want to be told exactly how to solve a problem so they can simply repeat that process over and over. I am challenging them to push for more advanced problem solving. The goal is that they take some of the math tools I am giving them in order to attack problems that they don't know exactly how to solve. The struggle and process is worth more than simply getting the right answer. Also, we want to grow up to be great problem solvers, not simply people that need to be told exactly how to do something. Math is a wonderful avenue to work on these problem solving skills. Even if their future careers may not need them to solve an inequality, they will definitely need to know how to work an unfamiliar problem and create solutions using their prior knowledge and skills.