Problem solved: Developing confidence in Year 5 girls through collaborative problem-solving

LUCIE NEAL, KENSINGTON PREP SCHOOL, UK Introduction One of the main methods for teaching mathematics at Kensington Prep School is through problem-solving. Within the teaching of mathematics, emphasis is placed on how girls learn to use the skills that they are given to deal with real-life situations and on the ability of mathematical reasoning to equip them to make sense of problem-solving. Since teaching at Kensington Prep, I have observed mixed attitudes among the girls towards mathematics, and while they appear to like the subject and engage in problem-solving, not all girls believe that they are good at it.  A recent study conducted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development suggested that girls performed better when engaged in collaborative problem-solving (OECD, 2017). Findings from other studies (Brijlall, 2015; DeMatteo and Johanning, 2010; Scoular et al., 2020) also indicate the successes of collaborative problem-solving in mathematics.  It was aga