Problem Solving Maths Lessons

Problem solving is at the heart of engaging and inspiring mathematics lessons.
 

In the past couple of years, my faculty have gone through deep-dive OFSTED inspections—a trial inspection with three HMIs and an actual inspection. The trial inspection showed all students have a love of maths. Later, in the words of my headteacher, the real inspection simply blew the lead inspector away. In each review, we showed how we teach mathematics through problem-solving. mathematics through problem-solving.

Shortly after blogging about the inspections, I received hundreds of messages from teachers and Heads of Maths asking for advice about embedding such an approach. My answer is simple, make problem-solving questions a feature of every lesson for students of all abilities.

To help with this, I would like to share four problem-solving lessons—these range from applying the rules of arithmetic to solving real-life problems with compound interest. In addition, every resource comes with a worksheet and tutorial video that models the solutions. 

Sample Problem Solving Mathematics Lessons

Problem Solving Mathematics Lessons

Perimeter and Area

Students are challenged to solve problems involving perimeter and area of rectangles and triangles.

Go teach it

Problem Solving Mathematics Lessons

Averages

Students are challenged to apply their understanding of the mean, mode, median and range to solve problems involving datasets.

Go teach it

Problem Solving Mathematics Lessons

Written Methods

Students are challenged to apply the rules of arithmetic to a series of real-life, functional problems.

Go teach it

Problem Solving Mathematics Lessons

Compound Percentages

Students are challenged to apply compound percentage changes to calculate an original amount after a percentage change, a percentage rate and compare real-life investments.

Go teach it

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About Mr Mathematics

My name is Jonathan Robinson and I am passionate about teaching mathematics. I am currently Head of Maths in the South East of England and have been teaching for over 15 years. I am proud to have helped teachers all over the world to continue to engage and inspire their students with my lessons.


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