Brain Power Enrichment Programs aim to develop problem-solving abilities in students who wish to improve their skills. Additionally, the programs may provide challenging, stimulating and inspirational learning experiences through engagement with problem solving for gifted students. This book accompanies a Level One student through his/her first semester of the problem solving program (or it may be used independently as a problem solving workbook). All Brain Power programs are based on a step-by-step approach, which enables students to understand problems of increasing complexity. Level One begins to equip students typically in grades 4 to 6 with various problem solving strategies and techniques, and supports the application of these skills to math, language arts, study habits and the general learning process. In Level One, students are introduced to four critical steps in problem solving: 1) Understanding the problem
2) Defining a plan or strategy
3) Solving the problem
4) Checking the answer.
The implications for improving one’s problem solving skills are numerous. These include a more positive attitude toward math and science, improved thinking flexibility and creativity in all subject areas, as well as increased success in academic, gifted, university admissions, and professional program tests (many of which are designed with an emphasis on assessing higher-order thinking skills). Moreover, knowledge of a range of problem solving strategies, coupled with experience in their application, have benefits which transcend the classroom and enter the realm of professional, social and intellectual accomplishment.
