5 Steps to Creating a Classroom of Problem Solvers

In this S5E11 Schoolutions Teaching Strategies conversation, elementary educator and math coach Mona Iehl shares her transformative 5-step Word Problem Workshop method that's revolutionizing how students engage with mathematics. From "I'm not a math person" to confident problem solver—this conversation will change how you think about teaching math.🎯 What You'll Learn: The 5 steps to creating a classroom of problem solvers (Launch, Grapple, Share, Discuss, Reflect) How to plan an entire week of word problems in ONE prep period Why student-centered methods foster student engagement and student motivation better than traditional approaches The forecasting guide that transforms lesson planning and instructional strategies How to choose problems that challenge WITHOUT overwhelming Building positive math identities through classroom belonging and student participationThis isn't just about math—it's about effective teaching that builds the whole child through culturally responsive teaching and equity in education.Resources Mentioned: 📚 Word Problem Workshop by Mona Iehl 📚 Five Practices for Orchestrating Mathematical Discussions by Peg Smith 📚 Adding It Up - Five Strands of Mathematical ProficiencyChapters:0:00 Introduction & Preview2:00 Welcome & Guest Introduction3:00 Book Reveal: Word Problem Workshop4:00 Research Foundation: Peg Smith & Five Practices5:47 Math Identities & Personal Journey7:00 Project-Based Learning vs. Traditional Math8:00 Traditional Word Problems vs. Word Problem Workshop10:00 Student-Centered Learning & Building Confidence11:00 Five Strands of Mathematical Proficiency12:00 Conceptual Understanding in Practice13:00 Strategic Competence & Adaptive Reasoning15:00 Community-Based Learning Approach16:00 Step 1: Launch - Packing the Backpack16:37 Step 2: Grapple - Independent Problem Solving17:00 The Joy of Figuring It Out18:00 Step 3: Share - Making Thinking Visible18:30 Step 4: Discuss - Facilitating Discourse19:00 Step 5: Reflect - John Dewey's Wisdom20:00 The Power of Reflection (Nuthall's 20% Research)21:00 Teacher Roles in Word Problem Workshop22:00 Getting Curious About Student Thinking24:00 Teacher as Scribe During Sharing25:00 Planning Magic: A Week in One Prep26:00 Choosing Learning Goals & Problems27:00 The Challenge Problem Philosophy29:00 The Forecasting Guide Tool30:00 Planning for All Learners31:00 Collaborative Planning Time33:00 Overcoming Fear: First Steps for Teachers35:00 Administrator Support & Clear Focus37:00 Supporting Math at Home: Caregiver Tips38:00 Modeling Mathematical Thinking39:00 Lightning Round: Math Misconceptions40:00 Vision for Positive Math Identity Classrooms42:00 Equitable Access & Confident Communities43:00 Final Thoughts: Teachers as the Most Important44:00 Closing & Call to ActionConnect with Mona: 🎙️ Math Chat Podcast 📧 Connect: [email protected]🎵 Music: Benjamin WahlWhen teachers, coaches, administrators, and families grow together, they create schools where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged, supported, and ready to thrive.