What Works: Improving Mathematical Problem Solving

http://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/PracticeGuide.aspx?sid=16

The What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) of the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) recently released a practice guide for improving students' mathematical problem solving in grades 4 through 8.

Geared toward teachers, math coaches, other educators, and curriculum developers who want to improve the mathematical problem solving of students, "Improving Mathematical Problem Solving" consists of five freely downloadable PDFs — one for each recommendation.

IES rated these two recommendations as backed by the strongest evidence: "Assist students in monitoring and reflecting on the problem-solving process" and "Teach students how to use visual representations."