This paper explores a study of sixth grade mathematics students in a middle
school setting. I investigated the effects of assigning Habits of Mind problems related to
the curriculum, district standards and objectives to increase problem-solving
opportunities and skills. I discovered integrating problem solving into the given
curriculum allowed students to make connections to math in an opportune way that
evoked communication on paper, interactions with partners or small groups, and
presentations of solutions to the large group. Using the challenging Habits of Mind
problems deliberately chosen to match specific content objectives within my district at
the sixth grade level provided an opportunity for students to get more practice and
improve upon their problem-solving skills. Planning and thinking about mathematics in
ways that were unique in comparison to the components of instruction I typically used
helped me incorporate weekly Habits of Mind problems. Analysis of classroom
interactions and students’ solutions as well as the students’ reflection on their own
experiences provided evidence that students experienced some difficulty in making their
emergent thinking known to peers in a way that would allow for productivity for all
involved. As a result of this research, I plan to continue to explore the notion of
challenging sixth graders with featured Habits of Mind problems relative to the
curriculum based on the positive feedback I gained from this short-term action research