Get Unstuck

If you're not getting stuck, then you're not solving interesting enough problems. But, good problem-solvers have routines for finding new things to try, and getting back onto good tracks.

We present several questions and activity structures that can help problem solvers go from stuck to working again.

Activities to Learn this Strategy

• Teacher Activity Guide [pdf]
• Student Handouts [pdf]

Facilitation Questions

• What is going on in this problem?
• What can you try?
• What does this remind you of?
• Why isn't this working?
• What are you missing?
• Do you need more ideas?
• Do you need help?

Recommended Library Problems

The Strategy Examples documents linked from these problems contain examples of what students could do with the activities. You need a Class Membership or higher to access Library problems.

Math Fundamentals

Assembly Seating
Zoo Train

Pre-Algebra

Spring Garden Planning
Dollar Dealing

Algebra

Fraction Action!
Polynomial Power

Geometry

How Long is the Base?
Pondering Pantographs

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