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Posted by:
Marsha Nicol
University
Columbus, OH
Topic:
Overcoming Obstacles
Message:
Implementing a problem-solving approach into instructional practices takes much time and effort. Generally, students are used to having formulas provided for them and are not used to discovery and inquiry. Students might get frustrated with the teacher because the teacher is not providing them with what they perceive is needed information, and parents might become upset because their sons and daughters are frustrated. Teachers need the support of the administration, students, parents, and community if they are to successfully implement such an approach.
Using a problem-solving approach to teaching is a time-consuming process in that it is much quicker to just provide worked examples for the students and let the students then work several more of these examples. For students to struggle with problems, they need time to devise strategies, and they need time to correct mistakes along the way. There is sometimes so much material to cover that the teacher might feel pressured to just give the students a method of solution and go on to the next problem. Again, administrators, parents, and students need to be educated as to what the teacher is trying to accomplish.
Last, but perhaps most important, teachers need ongoing peer support and mentoring support to keep on trying in spite of frustrations. Change is very difficult, and implementing a problem-solving approach to teaching is for many a huge change. Taking one step at a time and talking over frustrations and successes with colleagues along the way can be helpful to keep things in perspective.
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