To understand and use the fundamental problem-solving element, Request-Response-Result , applied to single-variable problems.

PROCEDURE:

(1) Make as many copies of image below as there are
      groups in your class.
(2) Cut the individual problem solution steps around
      their borders.
(3) Place each set of solution steps in a glass on the
      students' tables.
(4) Have students draw slips from the glass and order
      the successive steps of the problem solutions using
      Request and Response as a guide to decisions.

The animation below shows the esscence of the activity.

The student will learn the basic problem solving process. Specifically, the activity shows how each step follows from the previous step and leads to the next step. In addition, the inclusion of verbal statements in the solution presentation will become natural. Recognition of indentation of responses relative to the requesting equation is also seen. The problem solving pattern is common to all problem solutions. The words change, the symbols change, the numbers change and the concepts change but the problem solving process remains the same

The above activity emphasizes the vertical flow of a problem solution. By preparing a second set of solution steps with the left and right border cut off of the strips of paper, the clue to left-right positioning of the steps is removed.

This provides an activity that emphasizes both the vertical structure of a solution and the left-right structure. Using this, the students' comfort with appropriate indentation can be addressed.

---

Comments are important and appreciated. Please comment .
A SureMath solution. Copyright 1998, Howard C. McAllister.