New What Works Clearinghouse Mathematics Practice Guide

Improving Mathematical Problem Solving in Grades 4 Through 8. This practice guide provides five recommendations for improving students’ mathematical problem solving in grades 4 through 8. The manual is geared toward teachers, math coaches, other educators, and curriculum developers who want to improve the mathematical problem solving of students.

Strong evidence

• Assist students in monitoring and reflecting on the problem-solving process.
• Teach students how to use visual representations.

Moderate evidence

• Expose students to multiple problem-solving strategies.
• Help students recognize and articulate mathematical concepts and notation.

Minimal evidence

• Prepare problems and use them in whole-class instruction.

Citation: Clearinghouse, W. W. Improving Mathematical Problem Solving in Grades 4 Through 8. U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Science (IES) NCEE 2012-4055.