For two years I have focused my classroom approaches on developing student habits of mind with problem solving processes. Through my classroom inquiry into these approaches I have learned that students can learn to solve problems in ways that help them develop "habits of mind" with problem solving processes if: Students get lots of problem solving practice, with an emphasis on long term learning of habits of mind Students are introduced to the idea of multiple representations early, and this approach is reinforced through the curriculum materials in meaningful ways and in all aspects of the course Students have many opportunities to share their problem solving "publicly" through board work

Can you spot what is right with this picture? (And what is WRONG?) To enlarge image and read the problem statement, click here What does this picture say about the student's "Habit of Mind" in using a problem solving process? This student demonstrates many characteristics of a well-developed Problem Solving Process (PSP). Click here to see my comments on this picture: What is wrong with this picture? What is right with this picture?

On this Web site, you will see how the components of a Problem Solving Process were integrated into class activities, homework, and pedagogy (interventions), as well as the assessment of student work through homework, class presentations of their solutions, and final exams. Through different measures I have learned about how this approach improves student learning and increases student self-confidence, which I believe is one of the most important long term goals of the course.

Pat Wagener Math Instructor Los Medanos College Pittsburg, CA pwagener@losmedanos.edu I have been a member of the Math Developmental Ed Committee at Los Medanos College almost since its founding. I have also been a member of several teaching communities that have focused on Intermediate Algebra, Elementary Algebra and PreAlgebra. I was also involved in a review of teaching of Calculus and Pre-Calculus at Los Medanos, as well as participating in several workshops for the teaching of Calculus. I have an abiding interest in the search for effective computer-aided instruction (CAI) that may be infused into my teaching strategies. The course that was the focus of my project is Intermediate Algebra. This class is the pre-requisite course for any transferable Math course to a 4-year college. A link below will open the Course Outline of Record (COOR) for Intermediate Algebra at Los Medanos College. COOR for Intermediate Algebra