Write down your last independent step
Record what you have worked out so far and where you stopped. Use a precise description such as “I know the total, but I cannot decide what to divide by.” This is enough to choose a hint. If you are preparing hints for someone else, anticipate one or two common stopping points.
Reveal the smallest hint that gets you moving
Start with a cue about the relevant concept. Next, point to a definition, diagram or relationship in the original material. Only then offer the first action to take. After revealing one layer, pause and try again. Put the full worked solution on a separate step so it is available if the hints are insufficient.
Check the same skill again without a hint
After finishing, record the highest level of help you used. Try a different problem that needs the same reasoning. If you need the same hint again, revisit the rule the hint was pointing to and write a short explanation before trying another question.
Worked example
For a unit-price problem, the first hint asks what quantity “per kilogram” describes. The second sends you to the source example that divides total cost by mass. The third asks you to write the division with units before doing arithmetic. The follow-up changes both the price and the mass and gives no hints at the start.
Before you finish
- State the exact point where you stopped.
- Reveal and use one hint at a time.
- Try a fresh problem without opening the hints first.