Learning+Mathematics+Through+Problem+Solving

Type your name and one idea you have about learning mathematics through problem solving ...

Mary Lou Kestell - there is no "pre"-teaching when students are learning mathematics through problem solving (this is my example) Students use their own mathematical thinking to engage in problem solving. As they discuss, their ideas and those of others, they listen and adapt their thoughts developing new knowledge along the way. This statement now feels like a response to what **teaching** math through problem solving means. See if I am closer with the next statement... Now I am thinking I should have written something like - **learning** math through problem solving occurs when I encounter a problem and start to work out solutions - I think about what I know that sounds or feels the same and then I connect to the math I know and apply my thinking. I check with others and align and validate or adapt my thinking.

Joe Ierullo - It is essential that students receive the proper scaffolding from teachers to develop new mathematical skills through problem solving. Students are able to collect, organize, intrerpret, and display their problem solving techniques individually. However, teachers can provide timely open ended questions by communicating and reasoning mathematically giving students the opportunity to understand mathematical themes and apply it to learning by inventing, experiencing, and constructing their own mathematical solutions.

Elina Tam - Learning mathematics through problem solving is more about the **process** than the final product. It is in the process of finding the end product where students are understanding and learning. Sarjeet Dhugge- It is essential to activate students’ prior knowledge, and connect it to the new perspective (real life situation) in problem solving. Additionally, small groups are necessary to engage them in sharing various solution methods through discussing, thinking critically, and making sense of complex situations. Students invent and formulate new ideas to draw their own conclusions.

Maria Gentile- Learning mathematics through problem solving stems towards understanding and articulating what is being taught. By breaking down each segment of the question and eliminating the focus on the final product helps to not only establish a more balanced approach to learning math, but also communicate with others the strength of your answer.

Donovan Manhue-- A classroom that encourages a student centered approah to pedagogy is fertile ground for a problem based Mathematics instruction. Therefore, a problem based math classroom will enable students to be better mathemathetians. For example: Students' willingness to try problems is improved and ultimately enhances their perseverance. Students will become more aware of problem solving strategies. Students will be more aware that problems can be solved in more than one way. And, students' abilities to select appropriate solution strategies will be enhanced. With respect to our course, the 85% of 60 problem we solved generated numerous solution strategies.

Yudhbir Parmar : A teacher should pose a Problem to the students and instead of spoon feeding the answers ,teacher should ask for the possible solutions. Making use of the Blackboard, though an old fashioned instrumental tool, but having a profound effect on student learning in classroom, should step by step discuss and analyse each answer and thus best possible answer can be reached for.

Spencer Rupke- Problem solving is also more effective when the problem posed is one that has relevance to the students lives or real life interest. In a class I worked in last year it was fun to watch students try to figure out whether it would be better to accept $1 000 000 dollars today or $1000 per month for life at a monthly compounded interest rate of 4%. It seems they are willing to struggle longer with a problem when they are interested in the answer.

Christina Rand-Jones: Among other important aspects of group problem solving, it is important to activate prior knowledge of the students, and to motivate or engage them by selecting problems that have relenvancy to their lives or their interests. Activating prior knowledge gives them a foothold in the problem and helps them to realize they have skills and abilities from which to begin. Selecting real life or relevant problems gives them purpose for which to pursue a solution, and satisfaction from the understanding that they can 'control' the math in order to solve their problems in real life. Eg. Should I go with the Bell cell phone contract or the Koodoo pre-paid plan if I talk/text ___ minutes per day? Although worksheets only, by purchase, this is a good place for some real-life math problems: []

Brenda Blonski - In order for students to develop their problem solving skills it is important for teachers to take a structured problem solving approach. It is crucial for students to struggle with the material, try to develop their own understanding of the math, and engage in mathematical discourse with their peers. Effective problem solving, on the students part, will require them to activate their prior knowledge and come up with creative solutions as opposed to utilizing mathematical procedures they don’t truly understand.

Jim Veltman - one must be careful to give just enough information to the students so that they can figure out problems with minimal assistance from the teacher. The teacher must refrain from giving too many hints to the solution. Allow time for students to struggle and grapple with a problem and avoid the urge to help them solve it.

Brian Lucas - Learning mathematics through problem solving is a power learning tool. Problems must be real and connecting to students. Most students have difficulty decoding words to find meaning. Most students make the first error in taking their own definition and making it fit the question. This leads to a misunderstanding of what the question is asking and what the student is attempting to do.

Michelle Park - Through talking and doing independently and in small groups, learning Mathematics through problem solving gives students an opportunity to create their own genuine and immediate feedback on their understanding. It ensures students own their learning, clarify thinking, and helps them to check that their solution makes sense.