Basic Skills for Solving Problems in Math
Encourage young students to acquire and develop math skills that will enable them to build on early information and solve problems throughout high school. Practice basic skills such as adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing while running errands or grocery shopping. Help students relate the benefits of math to everyday living.
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Concentration and Discipline
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Encourage students to develop the ability to concentrate and focus when solving math problems or equations. Practice discipline in terms of scheduling time for assignments, yet remain patient so the students can work to an understanding or solution. Working in a quiet environment where distractions are limited or non-existent aids in this effort. Depending on the student, playing soft, instrumental music into a headset may help block out distractions if he is working in a common or high-traffic area.
Open-minded Thinking and Curiosity
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In order to retain a long-term ability to solve problems, teach students to open their minds when considering possibilities. Encourage curiosity, as this trait enables students to continue searching for the correct answer when they fail to find it on the first effort. Curiosity and open-mindedness can help students as they examine various possible solutions.
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Analytical and Abstract Thinking
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Analyzing potential outcomes and thinking abstractly can enable students to make connections and find solutions when doing math. It is beneficial for students of math to be able to anticipate the next step when solving more challenging equations. One game that helps students develop such thinking is chess. Chess offers players the opportunity to practice the same type of thinking required to be successful in solving math problems. In every turn, participants must not only conduct the appropriate move for that turn, but map out subsequent turns as well. The ability to think beyond obvious solutions will benefit math students.
Math Vocabulary
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Knowing the vocabulary particular to math problems and functions will help students tackle problems effectively. Understanding and using the words and terms related to the specific problems they are handling will help students maintain confidence in their abilities. Encourage partner or small group work to assist students in sharing and studying math terminology.
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