Shows the connections between Sherlock Holmes's investigative methods and mathematical problem solving, including observations, characteristics of the problem solver, importance of data, questioning the obvious, learning from experience, learning from errors, and indirect proof. (MKR)

Offers a simple classification of problems and seeks to explore the many factors that may be important in the successful solving of problems. Considers the place of procedures and algorithms. Solving open-ended problems is extremely important in education and offering learners experience with this in a group work context is a helpful way forward.…

Sheds light on the state of teaching problem solving in technology education and offers suggestions for enhancement. Suggests that teachers need to become aware of the natural process of solving problems so that students can be taught to use their natural thinking skills. (Author/JOW)

In this study we investigated the effects of two treatments supplementing students' (16 to 18 years of age and in pre-university education) regular course in economics. One treatment, labelled concept treatment, aimed at the solidification of the students' knowledge about economic concepts and their interrelations. The other treatment, labeled…

This article reports on an investigation of students learning of physics during group discussions around context-rich problems in introductory physics courses at university level. We present the results from video recordings of student groups solving three different problems. We found that group discussions around physics problems can lead to…

Inequalities are considered among the most useful tools of investigation in pure and applied mathematics; yet their didactical aspects have not received much attention in mathematics education research until recently. An important aspect of teaching problem solving at the secondary level deals with the notion of equivalence of algebraic…

Suggestions drawn from research and theory on problem-solving and creative decision-making. (Author/MLF)

Introduces the concept of artificial intelligence, discusses where it is currently used, and describes an expert computer system that can be used in the technology laboratory. Included is a learning activity that describes ideas for using intelligent computers as problem-solving tools. (Author/CH)

Analysis of arithmetic problem-solving difficulties among secondary school learning disabled students (N=63) indicated students had the most difficulty with problems of the indirect type and problems that contained extraneous information. Teaching suggestions are offered. (Author/DB)

This paper reports on the vital role that reflective thinking plays in solving problems involving the mathematics of change and variation particularly multivariable calculus. We report on how reflective thinking is one kind of self-regulatory (in the sense of metacognitive) thought mechanism. We present an outline of the results of a larger study,…

Presents results from Singaporean and Australian studies on the relationships between the cognitive variables and problem solving performance in three electrochemistry problems of different degrees of familiarity for comparisons. Concludes that idea association, problem translating skill, prior problem solving experience, specific knowledge, and…

Presents a generalization to the classic prisoner problem, which is inherently interesting and has a solution within the reach of most high school mathematics students. Suggests the problem as a way to emphasize to students the final step in a problem-solver's tool kit, considering possible generalizations when a particular problem has been…

Examines a report, The Assessment of Performance in Design and Technology, that attempts to assess problem-solving abilities in the field of design. Describes pilot projects, an extended project, and some test projects. Summarizes a research project on identifying when and where design appears in the school curriculum and discusses developing…

Discusses students' exploration of a particular rational function in the context of people waiting in line for service. The concepts of domain, range, and asymptotes are also developed in that context as is the effect of changes in input variables on function outputs. (Author/NB)