Tasks of Problem Solving; Elementary (Lingui Systems)

Per publisher: The content of these activities are based on research for the Test of Problem Solving 3 Elementary (TOPS 3). The units are arranged in order of complexity. Each unit has instructor's guidelines and uses a metacognitive approach. Individual lessons guide students through a logical progression of learning. Students learn to problem-solve and use the vocabulary and language to support it. A glossary of metacognitive terms is included. The units are: General Information-Identify the salient information in a statement to answer questions. Identifying Problems-Observe surroundings and identify/express what is or is not a problem. Determining Causes-Think through situations and figure out how or why something happened. Sequencing-Organize objects and ideas quickly and logically. Negative Questions-Students notice and consider the negative marker in questions. Predicting-Make a logical guess about what will happen next in predictable and diverse situations. Making Inferences-Students think about what they know from past experiences and personal knowledge to form an inference. Problem Solving-Students work their way through logical steps to solving problems. Specific skills include sequencing the problem, determining the cause of the problem, brainstorming solutions, choosing the best solution, and evaluation the outcome. Justifying Opinions-Express opinions and explain or justify them to others. Generalizing Skills-Answer a variety of thinking questions about photographs.