problem solving skills
George Polya, Master Problem Solver – a Model for All Math Teachers
By Bill Lombard on 27 October, 2009
George Polya was a master of problem solving, and his effect on other teachers has been extraordinary. His most popular book, How to Solve It, has sold over a million copies. As is the case with many great books, Polya had been turned down by three publishers before finding one to publish the English version [...]
Posted in Pedagogy | Tagged george polya, heuristics, math instruction, mathematical patterns, mathematical reasoning, problem solving skills | 5 Responses
Martin Gardner – For Decades, Puzzling People With Mathematics
By Bill Lombard on 25 October, 2009
Martin Gardner has published over 70 books and is the chief person responsible for the widespread interest in recreational mathematics. He turned 95 on 21 October, 2009 and celebrated by publishing another book. He authored the Mathematical Games column in Scientific American for 25 years. He quite possibly has introduced more people to the fun [...]
Posted in Website Resource | Tagged creative development, intriguing puzzles, martin gardner, math puzzles, mathematical games, problem solving skills, recreational mathematics, scientific american | 1 Response
20 Free Online Math Games for Students
By Bill Lombard on 26 August, 2009
The following is a Guest Post from education writer Karen Schweitzer. Karen is the About.com Guide to Business School. She also writes about online colleges for OnlineColleges.net. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Interactive math games can make it easier for students to grasp some of the more difficult or tedious concepts in math. The Internet is a good source [...]
Posted in Website Resource | Tagged games, Math Activity, problem solving skills, Website Resource | 4 Responses
Friday Afternoon Lifesavers – the Teacher’s Best Friend; Part 3 Solution, Pythagorean Theorem Cut-Up
By Bill Lombard on 4 February, 2009
Shown in the graphic above is the solution to the Pythagorean Theorem Cut-Up problem posed last week as a Friday Afternoon Lifesaver. This puzzle gives teachers a chance to talk about the theorem and its applications. After printing the puzzle, you can talk about how the five pieces must fit so that one edge of [...]
Posted in Puzzle | Tagged friday afternoon, intriguing puzzles, problem solving skills, Puzzle, pythagorean theorem, research, spatial reasoning | 5 Responses
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