Book Description

"The authors have provided a unique, strategy-focused resource supported by a wealth of engaging examples that mathematics teachers can readily use to help students develop a more purposeful, systematic, and successful approach to problem solving." —Howard W. Smith, Superintendent Public Schools of the Tarrytowns, Sleepy Hollow, NY "Helps both new and veteran teachers better understand the nature of problem solving as a critical mathematics process. The authors present in very simple terms the strategies that are the backbone of mathematics instruction. This indispensable material is useful at all levels, from basic stages to advanced student work to the development of top problem solvers." —Daniel Jaye, Principal Bergen County Academies, Hackensack, NJ Help students become skilled and confident problem solvers! Demonstrating there is always more than one approach to solving a problem, well-known authors and educators Alfred S. Posamentier and Stephen Krulik present ten basic strategies that are effective for finding solutions to a wide range of mathematics problems. These tried-and-true methods—including working backwards, finding a pattern, adopting a different point of view, solving a simpler analogous problem, and making a visual representation—make problem solving easier, neater, and more understandable for students as well as teachers. Providing numerous sample problems that illustrate how mathematics teachers and specialists can incorporate these techniques into their mathematics curriculum, this updated edition also includes: A variety of new problems that show how to use the strategies References to current NCTM standards Solutions to the problems in each chapter Extensive discussions of the empowering strategies used to solve sample problems The second edition of Problem-Solving Strategies for Efficient and Elegant Solutions, Grades 6–12 helps teachers develop students′ creative problem-solving skills for success in and out of school.