Problem Solving In The Mathematics Classroom Secondary

Problem Solving in the Mathematics Classroom (secondary)

Problem Solving in the Mathematics Classroom

Problem solving is a cornerstone of the school mathematics curricula in many countries, as it is an essential part of mathematical knowledge and performance. Implementation of problem solving in school mathematics is also important for meeting society’s needs with respect to work, school, and life – as well as for stimulating the interest and enthusiasm of students. Countries such as Finland, Germany, Hungary, and Slovenia have a long tradition of problem solving in school mathematics. Each country has faced its own specific challenges when adopting problem solving as a constituent part of school mathematics. But through this process they have gained experience and discovered chances for integrating problem solving into mathematics lessons. The heart of achieving this mission lies in choosing good mathematical problems. Good mathematical problems are those that are not too difficult and not too easy, are interesting, challenging, and mathematically rich. They should invite students to conjecture and to explore different strategies, support extending their existing knowledge, and allow for problem extension. In this book, the reader will find such rich mathematical problems – targeting students at different school levels – that can help cultivate a problem solving culture. The book provides the coherence and direction from different perspectives that practitioners need when integrating problem solving into their teaching practices and using problem solving to teach mathematics. We believe, that the processes which accompany problem solving, contribute to both the development of students’ mathematical reasoning and to the development of their sense of autonomy.

Students’ Collaborative Problem Solving in Mathematics Classrooms

This open access book provides key insights into the social fundamentals of learning and indications of social interactive modes conducive and restrictive of that learning in China. Combining theoretical and technical advances in an innovative research design, this book focuses on collaborative problem solving in mathematics to increase the visibility of social interactions in teachers’ designing, students’ learning and teachers’ instructional intervention. It also explores students’ cognitive and social interaction as well as teacher intervention in students’ group collaboration.