The approach discussed intuitively illustrates how a problem can be analyzed by breaking it down into parts. The method makes extensive use of graphs of absolute value functions and is broken down into three stages. Each stage is covered in some detail. (MP)

Instruction, like life, cannot always be planned, especially when teaching students the skills for interacting with real life situations and problems. (Author)

Some single species and two species interactions in population models are presented to show how credible examples can be used to teach an underlying, common mathematical structure within apparently different concepts. The models examined consist of differential equations, and focus on real-world issues. (MP)

The intent is to promote awareness of negative mind sets, which are mental obstructions that prevent problem solvers from perceiving problems in certain ways or formulating solutions. Visual perception, the Einstellung effect, and functional fixedness are presented as types of negative mind sets. Suggestions for remedies are presented. (MP)

The author recommends allowing elementary students to use pocket calculators, so that they may concentrate on the sense of a math problem without getting bogged down in computation. He presents calculator activities on place value, estimation, and arithmetic operations, suitable for grades 1-6. (SJL)

Describes an exercise designed to help students experience the inequities of land and wealth distribution and to raise serious questions about solutions to those inequities. (FL)

Ideas that students can use in generating their own problems are discussed and suggestions are made for implementing this type of activity in the classroom. (MK)

Recent studies on how students solve problems are summarized and suggestions are made of how engineering teachers can apply this information. (BB)

Gives a step-by-step description of a problem-solving microscale chemistry laboratory to show how this implementation of problem-solving teaching can be put into practice. Pedagogical and practical issues are discussed. (DKM)

Presents two problems posed to kindergarten children to challenge and to encourage discourse among the students working in small groups of 8 to 10 children. Results showed various levels of understanding and demonstrated various approaches which serve to give the teacher insight into the level of understanding of the class and the possible need to…

One group of Illinois secondary agriculture students was taught using a problem-solving approach (PSA), the other with a subject-matter approach (SMA). A problem-solving posttest and Group Embedded Figures Test showed significantly higher problem-solving ability in the PSA group. Field independent learners in the PSA group significantly increased…

Explains an application of mathematical modeling within a school setting as well as progressive use of graphing calculators in mathematical modeling. Analyzes students' performances in the process of problem-solving using the problem of baton-passing in relay races. Discusses students' use of their mathematical knowledge and ideas when they used…

Describes the mathematical needs of electricians and in so doing, indicates where the trainers of electricians strike a balance between skills, understanding, and problem solving. (KHR)

Teaching novice kayakers only the biomechanics of a roll and other "closed" (nonadaptable) skills does not create opportunities for flexible skill development. A wider approach teaches support strokes and rolls by focusing on "open" skills that can be transferred or adapted to any situation, including emergency decision making,…