Problem Solving Info for Teachers

The national curriculum for mathematics in the UK is structured to cultivate a comprehensive understanding of the world through the lens of mathematics. It emphasizes the importance of developing a solid foundation in mathematical fluency, reasoning, and problem-solving. The curriculum's goals are to ensure that students become adept in the fundamentals of mathematics, engage in varied practice with complex problems to build conceptual understanding, and can recall and apply knowledge swiftly and accurately. Moreover, it encourages students to reason mathematically by exploring, conjecturing, and articulating arguments using mathematical language, and to apply their mathematical skills to solve both routine and non-routine problems with increasing sophistication.

Problem-solving is integral to the curriculum, encouraging students to tackle a diverse array of problems, thereby improving their mathematical reasoning and problem-solving skills. The framework suggests that students should not be rushed through content but should progress based on their understanding and readiness. It is also important to challenge all students with problem-solving tasks, not just those who quickly grasp concepts. Practical resources and models for recording can help students of varying abilities engage with the same problems. The curriculum promotes the idea of using mathematics to make sense of the world, connecting different mathematical ideas to develop fluency, and competently solving complex problems. Problem-solving skills are further developed through activities that encourage students to explore, record their thinking in various ways, and work systematically, all while using mathematical vocabulary to explain their thought processes.