Visualizing and Making Comparisons

In our class, we work on problem solving strategies, daily. While working on problem solving dealing with time, size, or equations I usually ask the students to visualize. I tell the students to close their eyes and picture in their minds, what ever it is we are talking about. If we are dealing with a problem that has to do with size, I ask the students to visualize by using their minds and fingers to decide what unit they might measure an object with. Visualizing and making comparisons has helped students grasp the concept of real world problem solving.