The Problem-Solving strategy engages students with the AKS through a relevant problem or challenge to develop knowledge and skills and to deepen understanding.

When using Problem-Solving, the teacher explicitly models, teaches, and engages students in a problem-solving process through relevant real-world problems to demonstrate mastery of the AKS.

When effectively applying the Problem-Solving strategy, teachers will strategically ask high-level questions, monitor students' progress, formatively assess student learning, and give timely and specific feedback. Students will engage in the problem-solving process by making predictions, conducting research, collecting evidence, developing solutions, and sharing their reasoning.

Problem-Solving is not isolated from the AKS as a separate event or an extension of the learning. It is not a culminating project, teacher directed, or contrived. Problem-Solving is most effective when it is student centered and requires students to develop deep understanding as they synthesize, evaluate, and/or create something new to demonstrate their learning of the AKS.