Recent research in problem solving has shifted its focus to actual classroom implementation and what is really going on during problem solving when it is used regularly in classroom. This book seeks to stay on top of that trend by approaching diverse aspects of current problem solving research, covering three broad themes. Firstly, it explores the…

This book is designed to give mathematics teachers a host of interesting and useful ideas thereby raising their consciousness level and enabling an enrichment of the mathematics instruction program. The chapters in this book capture a broad spectrum of ideas in the area of mathematics problem solving. Chapters are: (1) "Strategies for Problem…

Shares experiences and growth in a teacher's knowledge about learning while teaching mathematics. (ASK)

Discusses a teaching method for transforming timid, dependent students into self-propelling, independent problem solvers. Describes four guidelines: expose students to problems; pose good questions and pause; put chalk into students' hands; and emphasize teamwork. Eleven references are listed. (YP)

Describes ways to help preservice teachers become good classroom instructors of problem solving. It is felt it is impossible to teach problem solving if teachers themselves are not adequate problem solvers. In all cases, preservice teachers should have opportunities to solve problems and identify strategies used. (MP)

This case study examined an experienced secondary school mathematics teacher's knowledge and teaching of problem solving, using interviews, classroom observations, teaching documents, and experimental tasks. The informant revealed a broad interpretation of problem solving, integrated with mathematics but widely applicable. This interpretation…

The need for mathematics teachers to incorporate instruction in problem-solving skills into the curriculum is discussed. Results of a study of problem-solving instruction in the classrooms of nine seventh grade teachers are briefly noted. There were significant differences between the teachers in how they planned, organized, and delivered lessons,…

Outlines two mathematics teaching strategies: the exploration/discovery approach to mathematical concepts, and the use of pair group problem-solving. These require teachers to shift from the traditional role of lecture/demonstrator to a role demanding new skills in planning and facilitating student work. Includes 10 references. (MD)

Summarizes the interview and observation of mathematics teachers on their classroom teaching of problem solving. Discusses the related issues that teachers should consider as they plan and teach problem solving lessons. (YP)

Investigates children's behaviors and conceptual achievements in the transition from informal calculation strategies to a written division algorithm. Describes five different strategies observed in the solution of division problems. Discusses the implications of the children's behavior. (YP)

Describes basic problem-solving skills and presents a protocol of a student solving a problem. Discusses some of the difficulties in obtaining a correct solution. Lists basic prompts for problem solving. (YP)

This document consists of three issues of the journal "Seedbed," an outcome of the Teachers' Center Project at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville (SIUE). Issue Number 29 contains 67 articles on teachers' ideas that they thought worth sharing with other teachers. Issue Number 30 consists of a single paper, "Children and…

Seventeen research reports are arranged under several broad topics of mathematics education. Section 1 concerns language and mathematics learning, with one paper on word problems and one on concept formation. Papers on university level mathematics in Section 2 explore problem solving, characteristics of school leavers, some mathematical aspects of…

A number of recent reports have called for increased teaching of "problem solving" and "critical thinking," particularly at the elementary level. This paper provides descriptive and evaluative data on a 9-month inservice program in mathematics for 89 elementary school teachers and 6 elementary school principals from 22 different schools. The…

This yearbook discusses instructional approaches that are consistent with the reformulation of the school mathematics curriculum by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM). Articles included cover: (1) Pennsylvania standards for mathematics programs (including goals, curriculum, instruction, evaluation, teachers, and…