This approach to problem solving is based on a KWL chart for reading.  The students really grasp this concept and it is beneficial for organizing their thoughts. Scroll down for a sample problem and response. Here is a more in-depth look at this problem solving chart:


K

What do you know?

W

What is your strategy?

C

Carry out your plan

L

Look back and explain

I know... My strategy is...
To solve this problem I will...
Show all of your work here This is how I solved the problem...
First... Next... Last...
Students write down that they know about the problem.  Most of the information written in this section comes directly from the problem itself.  This section is similar to a proof in geometry where a person writes what is given.  In this section, students write down their strategy for solving the problem.  Some strategies include, but are not limited to the following:
  • draw a picture
  • make a number model
  • use tally marks
  • make a graph
  • make a chart
  • act it out
  • guess and check
In this section, students show all of their work.  If the student draw a picture, they are advised to make a key for the objects in their picture.  This helps in demonstrating the student's understanding. The answer should be clearly marked in this section as well.  Students look back at their work and answer to make sure it makes sense.  Also, students need to check that they have answered all of the questions from the problem.  Then, students need to write down the steps that they did- briefly summarizing what they wrote in K and W, but thoroughly explaining what they did in C. It is as if the student is calling someone on the phone and telling his/her what they did- without that person seeing their work.

KWCL Problem Solving Outline  Word  PDF



Sample Problem and KWCL Response
Balloons cost 8 cents.  You have 1 quarter, 1 dime, 2 nickels and
3 pennies.  How many balloons can you buy?
K
What do you know?
I know that balloons cost 8 cents. I have 1 quarter, 1 dime, 2 nickels and 3 pennies.
W
What is your strategy?
To solve this problem I will add up all of the money and draw a picture.
C
Carry out your plan.
25+10+5+5+3=48   I have $0.48

Key:  O=Balloon, X= 1 Penny, ( )=Total so far

X X X X X X X X (8)= O   X X X X X X X X (16)= O
X X X X X X X X (24)= O   X X X X X X X X( 32)= O
X X X X X X X X (40)= O   X X X X X X X X (48)= O

Answer: 6 Balloons

L
Look back and explain.
First I wrote down what I knew and my strategy to solve this problem. Then I added up all of the money and got a total of $0.48. Since balloons cost $0.08 each, I drew a picture grouping 8 pennies together. For every 8 pennies I know I can buy one balloon. I counted the pennies until I got to 48. I have 6 groups of 8, so I can buy 6 balloons.
 
*Note: This response may be more in depth that what a child would typically respond with when first seeing a problem like this. I show the responses with a lot more details to help students work to achieve more. Over time, the students are able to meet any expectation you set for them!


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