Recent research in problem solving has shifted its focus to actual classroom implementation and what is really going on during problem solving when it is used regularly in classroom. This book seeks to stay on top of that trend by approaching diverse aspects of current problem solving research, covering three broad themes. Firstly, it explores the role of teachers in problem-solving classrooms and their professional development, moving onto—secondly—the role of students when solving problems, with particular consideration of factors like group work, discussion, role of students in discussions and the effect of students’ engagement on their self-perception and their view of mathematics. Finally, the book considers the question of problem solving in mathematics instruction as it overlaps with problem design, problem-solving situations, and actual classroom implementation. The volume brings together diverse contributors from a variety of countries and with wide and varied experiences, combining the voices of leading and developing researchers. The book will be of interest to any reader keeping on the frontiers of research in problem solving, more specifically researchers and graduate students in mathematics education, researchers in problem solving, as well as teachers and practitioners.

This survey book reviews four interrelated areas: (i) the relevance of heuristics in problem-solving approaches – why they are important and what research tells us about their use; (ii) the need to characterize and foster creative problem-solving approaches – what type of heuristics helps learners devise and practice creative solutions; (iii) the importance that learners formulate and pursue their own problems; and iv) the role played by the use of both multiple-purpose and ad hoc mathematical action types of technologies in problem-solving contexts – what ways of reasoning learners construct when they rely on the use of digital technologies, and how technology and technology approaches can be reconciled.

This book contributes to the field of mathematical problem solving by exploring current themes, trends and research perspectives. It does so by addressing five broad and related dimensions: problem solving heuristics, problem solving and technology, inquiry and problem posing in mathematics education, assessment of and through problem solving, and the problem solving environment. Mathematical problem solving has long been recognized as an important aspect of mathematics, teaching mathematics, and learning mathematics. It has influenced mathematics curricula around the world, with calls for the teaching of problem solving as well as the teaching of mathematics through problem solving. And as such, it has been of interest to mathematics education researchers for as long as the field has existed. Research in this area has generally aimed at understanding and relating the processes involved in solving problems to students’ development of mathematical knowledge and problem solving skills. The accumulated knowledge and field developments have included conceptual frameworks for characterizing learners’ success in problem solving activities, cognitive, metacognitive, social and affective analysis, curriculum proposals, and ways to promote problem solving approaches.

This book presents both theoretical and empirical contributions from a global perspective on problem solving and posing (PS/PP) and their application, in relation to the teaching and learning of mathematics in schools. The chapters are derived from selected presentations in the PS/PP Topical Study Group in ICME14. Although mathematical problem posing is a much younger field of inquiry in mathematics education, this topic has grown rapidly. The mathematics curriculum frameworks in many parts of the world have incorporated problem posing as an instructional focus, building on problem solving as its foundation. The juxtaposition of problem solving and problem posing in mathematics presented in this book addresses the needs of the mathematics education research and practice communities at the present day. In particular, this book aims to address the three key points: to present an overview of research and development regarding students’ mathematical problem solving and posing; to discuss new trends and developments in research and practice on these topics; and to provide insight into the future trends of mathematical problem solving and posing.

This book will present a collection of mathematical problems — lighthearted in nature — intended to entertain the general readership. Problems will be selected largely for the unusual and unexpected solutions to which they lend themselves. Some interesting contents included: All in all, the book is meant to entertain the general readership and to convince them about the power and beauty of mathematics.

Problem solving is a cornerstone of the school mathematics curricula in many countries, as it is an essential part of mathematical knowledge and performance. Implementation of problem solving in school mathematics is also important for meeting society’s needs with respect to work, school, and life – as well as for stimulating the interest and enthusiasm of students. Countries such as Finland, Germany, Hungary, and Slovenia have a long tradition of problem solving in school mathematics. Each country has faced its own specific challenges when adopting problem solving as a constituent part of school mathematics. But through this process they have gained experience and discovered chances for integrating problem solving into mathematics lessons. The heart of achieving this mission lies in choosing good mathematical problems. Good mathematical problems are those that are not too difficult and not too easy, are interesting, challenging, and mathematically rich. They should invite students to conjecture and to explore different strategies, support extending their existing knowledge, and allow for problem extension. In this book, the reader will find such rich mathematical problems – targeting students at different school levels – that can help cultivate a problem solving culture. The book provides the coherence and direction from different perspectives that practitioners need when integrating problem solving into their teaching practices and using problem solving to teach mathematics. We believe, that the processes which accompany problem solving, contribute to both the development of students’ mathematical reasoning and to the development of their sense of autonomy.