Five papers from the Workshop on Mathematical Problem Solving sponsored by the Georgia Center for the Study of Learning and Teaching Mathematics are included along with an overview of the interests and history of the Center and its organization of the problem-solving workshop. One paper contains an overview of mathematical problem solving. The…

An investigation was made into the use of project work in management education; it was in three phases--collection of a range of project models, evaluation of a particular type of project (that undertaken on the middle management courses run for the ports industry by three technical colleges and institutes), and recommendations on project…

Portions of the Cockcroft Report which seem confusing are discussed. The connections among problems, applications, and investigations are considered in sections on being a mathematician; open is in the mind; assumptions, rules and patterns; and learning not to be anxious. (MNS)

Suggests ways in which teachers can help students learn investigation and problem-solving skills on open investigation tasks. Includes matching the degree of openness of the investigations to the experience and skills of the student, providing scaffolding to support student decision making, and using formative and student self-assessment. (JRH)

Here we give an example of a problem that could be beneficially investigated by AS/A level students. It is a geometry problem that they can profitably tackle by geometric (especially geometry software) and algebraic means. Such problems naturally lead students to the need for proof--an essential part of mathematics that is often lacking in current…

InterMath participants spend time in workshops exploring technology-rich mathematical investigations and completing write-ups. These write-ups include a written explanation of their problem solving process, screen captures of files that they generated while completing the investigation and links to these files. This paper examines the use of…

Describes a curriculum planning approach that employs a systematic process for identifying alleged training needs, investigating the case in a preproject study, setting priorities, and adopting a project list and budget. Discusses the makeup and roles of the curriculum planning council and professional planning staff. Provides a problem…

An investigation concerning the sum of square digits is described to show college mathematics students how mathematicians really work. A computer program is included. (MNS)

Presents activities that explore step-cut dissections of whole rectangles. Provides students with the opportunity to discover patterns, which allows them to solve more and more complex problems that offer a context within which students can think about and use different mathematical concepts. (JRH)

We examined social problem-solving skills and binge drinking among 286 undergraduate men (N = 90) and women (N = 196). The sample consisted of primarily first-year students (39%), sophomores (27%), juniors (21%), and seniors (13%), with an average age of 20. The makeup of the sample was predominantly Caucasian. Men were more likely than women to…

A weak negative attitude towards learning science was noticed among the students in Qatar, a matter that was reflected on their achievement in national tests. To test if the use of PBL would improve the students' attitudes towards learning science, a sample of 25 nine graders from Hamza school were motivated to plan their own investigations and to…

Although the participation of administrators in problem-solving consultation teams is frequently mentioned in the literature as an important factor in the effectiveness of those teams, there has been little research into the impact of administrators on such teams. The impact of administrator participation on problem-solving consultation teams…

This paper examines to show how an investigative approach to mathematics teaching can honor its two important dimensions--a thinking and reasoning side to go with the skill development. The paper addresses the question of why a problem solving approach has failed, makes the case for investigations as an overarching organizer, and discusses the…

Describes the nature of investigations and their uses in mathematics education. The three types of investigation described, whimsical, real, and mathematical, are defined and illustrated. For each type of investigation, mathematical content and problem-solving strategies are identified, and a solution method is presented. (SLD)

Describes a project that uses a multidisciplinary approach to problem solving in analyzing a crime scene and suspect evidence. Requires each student to work effectively in a team, communicate in both written and oral forms, perform hands-on laboratory manipulations, and realize that the entire class was depending on their individual contributions…