by Margaret Taplin
Institute of Sathya Sai Education, Hong Kong
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| Some Questions For Discussion
With Colleagues, or Action Research In Your Classroom |
In this article, it has been shown how
mathematical problem solving can contribute to the following values:
- perseverance
- thoughtfulness
- self-reliance
- resourcefulness
- common sense
- appreciation of social issues
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| Use a problem-solving approach to teach a
standard mathematics topic, and observe the extent to which the students show signs of
these values. Discuss your findings with your students. |
| Monitor the range of emotions which students
experience during a problem-solving experience. How can these contribute to the
development of the student's character? Discuss this with your students. |
| Present a standard topic in a
"real-life" context, as in the example above. Compare the level of the students'
interest and involvement, compared to when the same topic is presented in a more
traditional way. |
| Over time (e.g. a whole school year), observe
changes in the pupils' ability to be able to transfer knowledge to unfamiliar situations.
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"Real Problem Solving" enables pupils
to practise their mathematics skills or learn new ones, by using mathematics as a tool to
address a problem. Have your pupils identify and explore a solution to a problem. Identify
the mathematical skills which are used, and the values which are encouraged. Discuss with
your pupils how their project has been useful in helping others.
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