Research findings on problem solving and ideas for improving problem-solving instruction are presented. What a problem is and the fact that few problems appear in textbooks are noted. What successful problem solvers do is discussed, with the stages of problem solving described, including the point that checking their work may be the most important…

The need to consider the interaction of characteristics that affect students' learning is stressed. Levels of cognitive development as proposed by Piaget are presented first, with how they relate to teaching mathematics discussed. Then two cognitive styles, relating to the way an individual most efficiently processes information, are considered:…