In this article, we explore the game based on the following problem from the 1st Mathematical Olympiad of Central America and the Caribbean, held in Costa Rica in 1999: Player A turns on the calculator, presses a digit key and then presses the + key. A second later, player B presses a digit key in the same row or column of the last digit key…

A simple experiment can be performed to characterize the relationship between applied voltage and velocity (steady state and transient) for an electric toy train. The results can be used by teams of students to solve a series of challenges in which they attempt to predict the performance of a particular train. Some sample challenges might include…

An attention-grabbing center-of-mass demonstration uses the map of a state mounted on a sheet of heavy cardboard and cut out along the boundaries. The two-dimensional object is hung from a hole punched into a city near the edge, and a string with a pendulum bob attached to it passes through the center of mass. The process is repeated with a…

Solving problems and creating processes and procedures from the ground up has long been part of the IT department's way of operating. IT staffs will continue to encounter new problems to solve and new technologies to be implemented. They also must involve their constituents in the creation of solutions. Nonetheless, for many issues they no longer…

In this article, the author suggests ways to harness student enthusiasm to work. Have students compose letters inviting business leaders to visit and talk about their operations. Be specific and up-front in the letters to these business leaders that students would especially benefit from trying to solve real problems; and any such problems they…

Synthesizing a decade of research, the author describes a taxonomy of meaningful learning. The most meaningful learning outcome is problem solving. In this taxonomy, four different kinds of problem solving are arranged in a hierarchical manner. Prerequisite/corequisite with problem-solving outcomes are two fundamental reasoning skills that…

Hungarian pediatrician Emmi Pikler theorized that freedom of movement facilitates infants' development and learning. The self-education promoted by freedom to move gives an infant a lasting view of herself as a competent learner. Pikler's approach also emphasizes the importance of helping each child feel respected and secure. The author examines…

Knowing the mathematics relating to a problem is one thing, but producing a tool to solve a practical example is often daunting. This article describes a case study which presented an interesting implementational challenge.

The mean and variance of some continuous distributions, in particular the exponentially decreasing probability distribution and the normal distribution, are considered. Since they involve integration by parts, many students do not feel comfortable. In this note, a technique is demonstrated for deriving mean and variance through differential…

This article presents an instructional idea that facilitates the students' active participation in the problem analysis process using insufficient or contradictory problem contexts. (Contains 1 figure.)

A personalized account of dealing with "writer's block." (RL)

Describes the use of programmable calculators in a linear algebra course at the University of Kansas. Reports that these calculators can exploit the opportunities of personal computing and allow students to concentrate on how to apply new mathematical principles to real-world applications. (JRH)

Shows how administrators and teachers can find problems prior to problem solution by taking three steps: Examining the interconnectivity of things, exploring possible and alternative problems, and asking the right questions. Demonstrates how these steps operate in specific situations, and how finding the problem can be an effective tool in…

Develops a brief, psychoanalytically informed treatment model for borderline and narcissistic couples. Advantages and disadvantages as well as treatment principles of brief treatment for this population are explored. Phases of treatment are reviewed with an emphasis on process and interventions. Explores managing the spiraling escalation of affect…

In this paper, we explore the influence of the teacher on the language games being played in a Grade 3 mathematics classroom. The kinds of listening strategies used by the teacher seemed to have an impact on the kind of language game being played as a small group of students engaged in a problem-solving activity. Understanding classroom…