The idea of using open-ended problems to improve mathematics
teaching to develop and foster methods for teaching problem solving
and thinking skills has appeared in the curriculum of many countries,
in the form that there is specific curriculum time left for teachers'
freedom to adopt an 'open approach'. Very recently in Japan (Landers
1998), the Ministry of Education has approved a new national policy
to take effect in 2002 that will cut the prescribed curriculum by 30%.
Their aim is to trim the time devoted to traditional subjects and use it
for open-ended problems, out-of-school activities and integrated