Is Problem-Solving Too Early for a Grade 1 Pupil?

  • Added:
    Sep 05, 2012
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One of the ambitious aims I had of my 2012 MATH summer tutorial batch 2, a 1.5hour 15-day crash course, was for my little subordinates to appreciate simple problem-solving skills. Two graded exams were given to them- when we're halfway through the course and the final test - both having three word problem situations I drafted creatively. Interesting situations which highlighted their names, the word problems are suggestive of their personal inclinations and actual scenarios peculiar to these kids.I had three smart students incoming grade 2, and they got all of the problems perfectly. I made sure that they are in the situation, guided them, and interposed the storytelling with few interactive questions. It was enjoyable for me in the process- I got the desired responses from them without having to arduously lure their attention unto the task. I’m telling rational stories of them, which they find engaging thing to imagine.

I wonder, if everybody got exposed early on to problem-solving would there be many students now who struggle with appreciating the word problems, and other tasks which demands analyzing or even mentally putting oneself in the character’s shoes. Is Problem-Solving Too Early for a Grade 1 Pupil? With the curriculum going extensive revision nationally, since the K+12 adoption, there will be a lot of afterthought, and introspection on the way education should go in the Philippines. There have been critics from a social and economic standpoint, on account of the huge shortage in school buildings, and teachers compounded by the academic materials being unprepared for the change. But, the question of whether problem-solving be taught emphatically in Grade 1 is not really a big deal. This is not a big issue to pair with the ongoing reforms in the Department of Education. In the first place, I'm a tutor not a professional teacher, and unlike the latter, I am bent on my personal belief and theories based on my own experience as a student and a tutor. It's as personal as "Can you do it to your child or tutee?". It's a sole individual choice and preference - granted that you have a comprehensive understanding of the child's abilities, your own teaching capacity and the time and place within which you want this to bring about. If all factors are conducive, make this a good suggestion. Otherwise, it won't be practicable to be doing anything you're not in your mind to be doing.

 It's time that Math is integrated with friendly interactive stories. The promise of giving your child a mental tool for appraising and dissecting math-inspired word problems spans a spectrum of real-life application-some of which are not taught in school.

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