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With test scores and student engagement on the decline, it鈥檚 clear that traditional teaching methods aren鈥檛 meeting the needs of all of today鈥檚 math learners.

One solution that鈥檚 gaining momentum is problem-based learning. By focusing on real-world problems and structured approaches, this approach develops critical thinking, reasoning, and application鈥攕kills that are essential for math success.

But making this shift isn鈥檛 easy. For math teachers and educators, it requires careful planning, a clear strategy, and community commitment.

That鈥檚 why we鈥檙e here to help.

The decline in test scores and engagement

The latest National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) results show a sharp decline in math proficiency across grade levels. Only 26% of eighth graders performed at or above the NAEP Proficient level in 2022. These results represent the . The pandemic didn’t help, but it’s not the only factor.

This downward trend is compounded by a sense of disengagement. According to YouthTruth鈥檚 report , only half of students feel that what they鈥檙e learning in math connects to the real world. Recent survey data also shows that less than half of U.S. students feel that they 鈥渙ften鈥� or 鈥渁lways鈥� work on interesting problems in math class.

When math feels irrelevant or intimidating, students disengage鈥攁nd the learning gaps that follow can be difficult to close.

An opportunity to grow

But the data also includes opportunities. According to NAEP research, more than 70% of students report that they enjoy activities that challenge their thinking and thinking about problems in new ways.

Problem-based learning helps give those students what they want.

And in a world that relies increasingly on data, analysis, and innovation, students need to learn not just how to follow steps and apply formulas, but how to think mathematically. In other words, problem-solving skills need to be part of student learning. This is particularly important in elementary and middle school math, where foundational concepts are built鈥攁nd where students have the chance to forget their identities as 鈥渕ath people.鈥�

That鈥檚 why working to infuse problem-based math learning into your district鈥檚 instruction can help reverse negative math and engagement trends.

What does problem-based learning in math look like?

Let鈥檚 go back and define this approach more fully. Research shows that math instruction is most effective when it encourages students鈥攊ndividually or grouped with peers鈥攖o grapple actively with math problems. When instruction gives students the opportunity and freedom to solve problems, rather than dictating solutions and then having them practice, students are more motivated.

For example, instead of memorizing the formula for calculating area and then practicing it in a series of disconnected problems, students might tackle a problem-solving challenge like:

At its core, problem-based learning values mathematical thinking and reasoning. Rather than focusing on procedures and memorization, problem-based learning encourages students to:

• Explore open-ended problems.
• Ask questions and make connections.
• Develop strategies to solve problems collaboratively.
• Build curiosity and perseverance.
• Reflect on their reasoning and process.

In the problem-based learning classroom, students are positioned as active participants in their math experiences, building a deeper understanding of concepts as they work through challenges. This is particularly critical for ensuring students don鈥檛 just learn math, but understand why it works and how to apply it. These approaches can transform math classrooms into spaces where students build both foundational and real-world math skills鈥攁nd a healthy dose of math confidence, too.

Critical factors in making the shift

Integrating problem-based learning into traditional math teaching can feel like (and is!) a big change鈥攊n lesson-planning, mindset, and more.

To make it work for administrators, teachers, and students alike, schools do best when they focus on a few critical factors. These include:

• Clear vision: Understand (and communicate) why the shift matters and what it looks like in action.
• Leadership buy-in: Gain commitment from school leaders and administrators.
• Teacher support: Offer professional development, resources, and ongoing guidance specific to math instruction.
• Structured approaches: Establish a well-defined plan for implementing problem-based learning in math classrooms effectively.

What problem-based learning can look like in the classroom

While problem-based learning offers proven benefits, it can be difficult to integrate into the classroom without a clear structure. Teachers need tools and strategies to guide students through the process and ensure that learning goals are met.

A structured approach to problem-based learning in math should include:

1. Defining the problem: Present a clear, engaging math challenge connected to real-world scenarios.
2. Student inquiry: Encourage exploration, discussion, and different solution paths.
3. Collaboration: Support teamwork to share ideas and reasoning.
4. Reflection: Allow students to evaluate their process, solutions, and learning.

This structured approach not only improves students鈥� conceptual understanding, but also aligns with 抖阴成人版app鈥檚 research findings, which show that students who engage in active learning outperform their peers in more traditional settings.

By embracing problem-based learning in math classrooms, educators can:

• Boost student engagement and confidence.
• Improve student problem-solving and mathematical reasoning skills.
• Help reverse declines in math achievement over time.
• Empower students to see the value and relevance of math in academics and in their lives.

Ready to learn more?

If you鈥檙e ready to explore how your school can make the shift to problem-based learning in math, our new change management ebook is the perfect place to start. It offers practical guidance, real-world examples, and a deeper look at the strategies highlighted above.

Download the ebook now to discover actionable insights and strategies to help make problem-based learning come alive in your math classrooms.