Background: On the basis of a 'problem solving as an educational outcome' point of view, we analyse the contribution of math and science competence to analytical problem-solving competence and link the acquisition of problem solving competence to the coherence between math and science education. We propose the concept of math-science coherence and…

The overall purpose of this study is to develop a measure of elementary mathematics teachers' curricular knowledge (Shulman, 1986) and curriculum use practices. In this paper, we present the first step in this larger effort--the piloting of one set of questions that document pre-service teachers' (PSTs') knowledge and practices for reading,…

In this symposium, the participants discuss some preliminary data collected from their problem solving project which uses a design experiment approach. Their approach to problem solving in the school curriculum is in tandem with what Schoenfeld (2007) claimed: "Crafting instruction that would make a wide range of problem-solving strategies…

The purpose of this study was to explore word problems as a subject matter in mathematics textbook curricula. The motivation for the study derived from the following evidence: (a) American students find some word problems are more difficult than others (Garcia, Jimenez, & Hess, 2006; Riley & Green, 1988; Stern, 2001), and (b) one of the…

Functions with a variety of properties (sets of discontinuities, unbounded derivations, etc.) are discussed. (SD)

The teacher's guide for Unit 10 of this SMSG series covers the chapter on problem solving and the chapter on solution sets of mathematical sentences. The overall purpose for each of the chapters is described, the prerequisite knowledge needed by students is specified, the mathematical development of each chapter is detailed, behavioral objectives…

The functions of a mathematician in industry are analyzed and suggestions are given concerning the mathematical training that would be appropriate. (DT)

Strategies for problem solving are discussed in the first chapter in Unit 10 of this SMSG series. The second chapter covers the following algebra topics: solving simple equations and inequalities, simplifying expressions, solving fractional equations and solving inequalities involving fractions, factors whose product is zero, and factoring. See SE…

Identifying the larger (L), smaller (S) and difference (D) of two real numbers, and then selecting the appropriate relationship between L, D, and S can help students solve algebra word problems. (SD)

The possibility of preparing a set of word problems of a predicted level of difficulty based on six variables (for multiplication, division, recall, conversions, operations, and number of words in the problem statement) and on regression equations developed in previous work was investigated. Four problem sets were used in grades four through six,…

Suggestions are provided for activities involving the construction of mathematical models to solve "real-life" problems. (SD)

This is unit eleven of a fifteen-unit SMSG secondary school text for high school students. The text is devoted almost entirely to mathematical concepts which all citizens should know in order to function satisfactorily in our society. Chapter topics include coordinate geometry and problem analysis. (MP)

Students were presented with the problem of finding all magic squares of order three. (SD)

This article considers three ways to incorporate active learning in the exploration of mathematics: organizing centers, open-ended tasks, and the solving of good problems. (MP)

This paper describes the nature and use of a computer-assisted sequence of instruction in college-level mathematics. Units in differential and integral calculus and geometry are described. The authors claim that students acquire increased confidence in their knowledge and problem-solving ability. (SD)