Bar Modelling, Problem Solving and Heuristics
Advanced
Level 3
1 day
Duration
6 credits
Earned
Course Objectives
This teacher professional development course will provide:
- A definition and an understanding of the importance of heuristics in problem-solving.
- An overview of common heuristics used in maths: guess and check, make a list, draw a diagram, simplification, work backwards, and use logical reasoning.
- An overview of bar models and their importance in mathematical problem-solving.
- A process to incorporate heuristic strategies into lesson plans.
Course Content
- Introduction to Heuristics in Math Problem-Solving
Detailed exploration of each heuristic strategy:
- Guess and Check: Encouraging step-by-step thinking
- Make a List: Organising information systematically.
- Draw a Diagram: Visualising problems to understand them better.
- Break It Down: Decomposing complex problems into simpler, manageable parts.
- Work Backwards: Starting by looking at the solution and then, step by step, tracing your way back to the beginning.
- Use Logical Reasoning: Applying logical steps to deduce solutions.
- Bar Models: a visual method for solving maths problems by drawing bars to represent quantities.
- Using bar models Exploring different bar models (such as part-whole and comparison), recognising the importance of visual representations, and their impact on comprehending complex maths concepts
- Understanding bar model techniques Step-by-step guidance on integrating bar models into lessons focusing on addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and fractions.
- Applying Heuristics and Bar Models in Combination Integrating bar models and heuristics to solve complex math problems.
Who this is course intended for?
This course outline is designed to provide a comprehensive framework for teaching primary school educators how to utilise bar models and heuristics in maths instruction. It combines theoretical knowledge with practical application, ensuring teachers are well-equipped to foster a problem-solving mindset among their students.
Upcoming Dates
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