The Search-Institute.org writes interesting articles for educators and families. Their article on February 3, 2016 addressed ways to support students as they take on m. Here are a few of their comments with my suggestions added onto each item:
“Play with” the problem. Brainstorm, manipulate the facts, build models, step outside the proverbial box before you settle in to work on finding a solution. Allowing yourself to play will stimulate and free your mind before you start working on solving the problem.
Break the problem into smaller pieces. Sometimes when we take a look at pieces of a problem or task, we will see that we already know/understand how to manipulate or handle or answer that smaller section. That encourages us to take on the other pieces of the problem with added confidence.
Think out loud. Talk about what you know and what you need to do. Share your brainstorms, wacky as well as sensible ideas. It builds your confidence, lets others know what you already know, and shares the blank spots in your understanding of the task.
Ask open-ended questions. By now, this should be at the core of your working with students. These are the “What”, Why”, “How” questions instead of those that can be answered with a single word. When you find out what they know or need to know, you’ll be of much greater assistance to them.
Model the problem solving process to be used. It’s of no benefit to leave students in the dark, leaving them to flounder around with a process when you want them focused on a solution. Walk them through a scenario using the process you wish in place. Make a chart of the needed steps, answer their questions, then create rubric to judge their progress.
In addition, I suggest:
Work in partners. Two or three people working on a problem will have a better chance of solving that problem in a timely manner. But, when it needs to be done individually, allowing students to bounce ideas off others as they set up their process. It will lead to a better first effort and/or make clear to the adult who’s assisting, when a student is struggling. Then you can step in to remedy or assist in refocusing their efforts before they travel in the wrong direction and become discouraged.