Trial and error skills in mathematics problem solving: How can we improve this aspect of teaching and learning?

The purpose of this study was to investigate the current skills and confidence levels in teaching problem solving skills in maths in years 1-3. Over the course of 3 months teachers explicitly taught trial and improvement lessons in maths and reflected on their successes and struggles in phase meetings, developing for the next lesson. The results showed that by explicitly teaching skills in trial and improvement, teachers became more confident in teaching and supporting children. Furthermore the teacher’s perceptions of pupils’ skills in trial and error investigations improved dramatically.