With test scores and 国产麻豆剧engagement on the decline, it’s clear that traditional teaching methods aren’t meeting the needs of all of today’s math learners.
One solution that’s gaining momentum is problem-based learning. By focusing on real-world problems and structured approaches, this approach develops critical thinking, reasoning, and application—skills that are essential for math success.
But making this shift isn’t easy. For math teachers and educators, it requires careful planning, a clear strategy, and community commitment.
That’s why we’re 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’s report , only half of 国产麻豆剧feel that what they’re learning in math connects to the real world. Recent survey data also shows that less than half of U.S. 国产麻豆剧feel that they “often” or “always” work on interesting problems in math class.
When math feels irrelevant or intimidating, 国产麻豆剧disengage—and 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 国产麻豆剧report that they enjoy activities that challenge their thinking and thinking about problems in new ways.
Problem-based learning helps give those 国产麻豆剧what they want.
And in a world that relies increasingly on data, analysis, and innovation, 国产麻豆剧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 国产麻豆剧learning. This is particularly important in elementary and middle school math, where foundational concepts are built—and where 国产麻豆剧have the chance to forget their identities as “math people.”
That’s why working to infuse problem-based math learning into your district’s instruction can help reverse negative math and engagement trends.
What does problem-based learning in math look like?
Let’s go back and define this approach more fully. Research shows that math instruction is most effective when it encourages students—individually or grouped with peers—to grapple actively with math problems. When instruction gives 国产麻豆剧the opportunity and freedom to solve problems, rather than dictating solutions and then having them practice, 国产麻豆剧are more motivated.
For example, instead of memorizing the formula for calculating area and then practicing it in a series of disconnected problems, 国产麻豆剧might tackle a problem-solving challenge like:
How much paint is needed to cover our classroom walls?” Or they might work on a broader question such as: “How can we design a park, taking into account constraints like space, cost, and accessibility?
At its core, problem-based learning values mathematical thinking and reasoning. Rather than focusing on procedures and memorization, problem-based learning encourages 国产麻豆剧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, 国产麻豆剧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 国产麻豆剧don’t just learn math, but understand why it works and how to apply it. These approaches can transform math classrooms into spaces where 国产麻豆剧build both foundational and real-world math skills—and 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—in lesson-planning, mindset, and more.
To make it work for administrators, teachers, and 国产麻豆剧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 国产麻豆剧through the process and ensure that learning goals are met.
A structured approach to problem-based learning in math should include:
- Defining the problem: Present a clear, engaging math challenge connected to real-world scenarios.
- Student inquiry: Encourage exploration, discussion, and different solution paths.
- Collaboration: Support teamwork to share ideas and reasoning.
- Reflection: Allow 国产麻豆剧to evaluate their process, solutions, and learning.
This structured approach not only improves students’ conceptual understanding, but also aligns with Amplify’s research findings, which show that 国产麻豆剧who engage in active learning outperform their peers in more traditional settings.
By embracing problem-based learning in math classrooms, educators can:
- Boost 国产麻豆剧engagement and confidence.
- Improve 国产麻豆剧problem-solving and mathematical reasoning skills.
- Help reverse declines in math achievement over time.
- Empower 国产麻豆剧to see the value and relevance of math in academics and in their lives.
Ready to learn more?
If you’re 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.
