How to Solve Problems: The 4-Step Problem Solving Process

Lesson Topic: Addition and Subtraction 

Grade: K-2nd 

Subject: Math 

Time: 40 minutes 

Introduction 

Problem solving provides a framework for developing higher-order thinking skills. However, many students experience challenges in solving mathematical problems. The four-step problem-solving process can provide students with the appropriate steps to follow in addressing a mathematical issue. Formulated by Polya, the first step consists of understanding the problem (Nurkaeti, 2018). This step is important as it allows students to determine the basic concepts of a problem. The second step involves devising a plan. This step is essential in creating a map of the formula or mathematical concepts to solve the problem. Carrying out the plan is the third step, and it is important in following out the laid out plan (Gopinath & Lertlit, 2017). The fourth step includes looking back over the results. This step allows a student to cross-check the process to ascertain that the derived answer is correct. 

This lesson will use the four-step problem-solving process to solve addition and subtraction problems in grade 2 math. First, the teacher will ensure that students understand the concepts of addition and subtraction. Next, the teacher will instruct the basic concepts that entail adding or subtracting items to a number. The teacher will demonstrate how these concepts operate. Finally, the teacher and students will go through the processes to confirm if the concepts have been understood and carried out correctly. 

Objectives 

By the completion of the class, a student should: 

Be able to subtract and add physical items within 20 

Be able to define the connection between subtraction and addition 

Be able to understand the concepts of addition and subtraction. 

Common Core 

Materials 

Crayons 

Chart paper 

Animal cards 

Writing board 

Markers 

Colored blocks 

Spin, solve, and cover math game 

Invite students to sit on the carpet and explain to them that I will conduct an activity to determine whether they can describe what I am doing. 

Each student will be given an animal card and instructed to stand up. The teacher will ask students with a particular animal to sit down. For example, all students with a lion card sit down. 

Students will be asked to count how many students are still standing. 

The teacher will repeat the process by telling students with a particular animal card to stand. 

For example, all students with a monkey card stand up. The students will be instructed to count those who are standing up. 

Next, the teacher will ask students with another animal card to stand and join those with the monkey card. 

After the activity, the teacher will explain the concepts of addition and subtraction. The teacher will show students how to add using fingers, colored blocks, verbally expressing it, or writing the equation down. 

Students will be requested to count those who are standing. 

Students will be taught the four-step process in the classroom by first explaining why it is important to understand a problem. For instance, is this an addition or subtraction problem? Students will then be asked to remember what these concepts require in solving them. Did the teacher ask students with monkey cards to sit down or stand up for the addition part? After that, students should solve the problem and confirm that they followed the right process before writing down the answer. 

Independent Practice 

Students will be grouped in pairs. 

Each group will play the spin, solve, and cover math game. The game involves spinning spinners, adding or subtracting the numbers, and covering the number on the board that matches the correct answer. 

Students will use the four-step problem-solving process in playing the game. 

Assessment will be conduct throughout the lesson. 

The teacher will assess whether the students understand the activity. 

The teacher will ask questions, such as is this addition or subtraction, to gauge understanding. 

The teacher will also assess how the students perform in the math game. 

Closing