When choosing problems, keep the following in mind. Choose problems that demonstrate the necessity of understanding a particular concept or learning a certain skill. A technique should be involved in the problem solution that can be applied to other situations. The problem should allow students the freedom to choose ways of arriving at an answer. The problem should reflect familiar situations and be at the appropriate level for the students.
Research indicates that several factors contribute to student difficulty in solving problems.
They may think that if a problem can not be solved in a couple of minutes, it can not be solved at all and therefore, give up too easily. Others may believe that they lack the necessary mathematical ability.