Enriching the Problem-Solving Skills of Learners: Blueprint of Elementary School Teachers in Mathematics

This study investigated the approaches employed by teachers to cultivate problem-solving abilities among elementary school students. Through in-depth interviews with educators, the researcher uncovered both their effective strategies and the challenges they face. Eight (8) purposively selected teachers participated in the study, sharing their experiences. By carefully analyzing their responses, the researcher identified key approaches teachers use to enhance problem-solving skills, such as collaborative learning and visualization techniques. However, teachers also highlighted significant obstacles, including students' lack of basic math skills and a general disinterest in learning mathematics. Based on these findings, the study proposed two key recommendations to enrich the approaches of enriching the problem-solving skills of learners such as providing teacher training workshops in teaching mathematics and ensuring the availability of learning materials. This research endeavored to shed light on how teachers foster problem-solving skills in their classrooms. The insights gained are valuable for improving the quality of education, emphasizing that with the right support, students can build stronger problem-solving abilities.