Being a Mathematical Problem Solver
Problem solving has been the focus of school mathematics for more than two decades, yet we still have not made it the essence of mathematics. It remains an activity done separately from the rest of the curriculum in times set aside for the purpose. Problem solving is much more than finding answers to exercises labeled “problem solving.” Problem solving and the process of searching for pattern and order are virtually synonymous. Mathematics is problem solving. So our task is to investigate mathematical ideas in a problem solving environment, to help children experience mathematics the way real mathematics is actually done.