Monitor and reflect on the problem-solving process, and debrief to explain and compare problem-solving strategies.

Students’ math learning and problem solving improves when they monitor and reflect on their thinking as they work, examining what they’re doing and why, evaluating the steps they’re taking to solve the problem, and connecting new concepts to what they already know. While the ultimate goal is for students to do this independently, teachers may need to support students by providing appropriate reflection prompts and modeling their use when a new activity or concept is introduced. Teachers can use monitoring, reflection, and debriefing throughout the problem-solving process.