Journey toward Teaching Mathematics through Problem Solving

Lynae E. Sakshaug, Kay A. Wohlhuter

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

9 Scopus citations

Abstract

Teaching mathematics through problem solving is a challenge for teachers who learned mathematics by doing exercises. How do teachers develop their own problem solving abilities as well as their abilities to teach mathematics through problem solving? A group of teachers began the journey of learning to teach through problem solving while taking a Teaching Elementary School Mathematics graduate course. This course was designed to engage teachers in problem solving during class meetings and required them to do problem solving action research in their classrooms. Although challenged by the course problem solving work, teachers became more comfortable with the mathematics and recognized the importance of group work while problem solving. As they worked with their students, teachers were more confident in their students' abilities to be successful problem solvers. For some teachers, a strong problem solving foundation was established. For others, the foundation was more tentative.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)397-409
Number of pages13
JournalSchool Science and Mathematics
Volume110
Issue number8
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2010
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2010, School Science and Mathematics Association.

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