In the last several issues of Primarily Math news, we have highlighted examples of teachers serving as leaders in promoting positive changes in mathematics education. As readers have most likely noted, "leadership" takes on many forms. Primarily Math participant Lacey Konwinski, first-grade teacher for Lincoln Public Schools, helps lead the way to better mathematics instruction by modeling how to engage students in some serious problem solving.
In the Primarily Math program teachers encounter what are (affectionately) referred to as "Habits of Mind" problems. These include the Chicken Nugget, the Potato, and the Crossing the River problems, to name a few.
Variations of the "Crossing the River" problem are likely to be familiar to many readers. Essentially, groups of two types of characters (in this case, adults and children) need to cross a river with only one boat and stringent restrictions. In one version, due to its small size, only one individual can ride in the boat at a time. How will the group manage to cross the river?
The problem can give pause to adult readers, yet Lacey manages to set the stage and provide the necessary tools for her first graders to be completely engaged in the problem and arrive at a successful solution.
Here are some comments from Lacey about engaging her students in challenging problems:
"I think the greatest value I have seen using Habits of Mind problems is that it allows me to gain greater insight on the students' problem solving abilities, where the gaps in their mathematical thinking lie, as well as their comfort level with taking risks. For the majority of the students I think that they enjoyed the challenge (especially since they knew they were solving a similar problem to one that I had to solve in a college math class). It also provided the students with productive struggle and in turn they were able to grow their problem solving skills. The crossing the river problem is an excellent Habits of Mind problem to use early in the year because it focuses more on critical thinking skills rather than mathematical skills."
Check out the lesson plan and the videos of Lacey and her students finding a way to successfully cross the river: http://go.unl.edu/pm_river
Then check out our online poll: How many Habits of Mind problems have YOU used in your classroom? http://go.unl.edu/poll_0002
More details at: http://go.unl.edu/pm_river