Teaching Mathematics With Problem-Based Learning:

Mathematics is a subject that is often feared and dreaded by students. The traditional method of teaching, which focuses on memorization and repetitive practice, fails to engage students and make them truly understand the beauty and relevance of mathematics. However, there is a teaching approach that is revolutionizing math education and making it more exciting and enjoyable for both students and teachers: Problem-Based Learning (PBL).

PBL is an instructional method that puts students at the center of the learning process. It emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaborative learning. Instead of teaching mathematical concepts in isolation, PBL integrates them into real-world problems and scenarios. This approach not only improves students' understanding of mathematics but also equips them with essential skills such as critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and communication.

One of the key advantages of problem-based learning is that it makes math meaningful and relevant to students' lives. Rather than learning abstract formulas and rules, students apply their mathematical knowledge to solve authentic problems. For example, instead of simply memorizing the quadratic formula, students can use it to solve real-world problems, such as calculating the trajectory of a projectile or determining the optimal path for a roller coaster.

Awesome Math: Teaching Mathematics with Problem Based Learning

by Titu Andreescu(1st Edition, Kindle Edition)

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	14592 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	267 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled
Paperback	:	53 pages
Item Weight	:	3.84 ounces
Dimensions	:	7 x 0.12 x 10 inches

FREE

PBL also promotes higher-order thinking skills. When students are confronted with a challenging problem, they need to analyze the situation, identify relevant information, and develop strategies to reach a solution. This process encourages students to think critically, creatively, and analytically. They learn to approach problems from different perspectives, consider alternative solutions, and evaluate their effectiveness. These skills are not only vital for mathematics but also transferable to many other areas of life.

In a traditional classroom, students often work in isolation. They solve exercises and problems individually without any interaction or collaboration. In contrast, PBL encourages collaborative learning. Students work in groups to solve problems together, share their thought processes, and learn from each other's perspectives. This collaborative environment fosters communication, teamwork, and a sense of community.

By working together, students gain a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts. They engage in productive discussions, explain their reasoning to others, and receive feedback from their peers. This interactive process helps them identify and correct misconceptions, develop mathematical language skills, and build confidence in their abilities.

Moreover, PBL enhances students' motivation and engagement in mathematics. The traditional method of teaching often fails to captivate students' interest and curiosity. Math becomes a chore, a series of monotonous exercises to be completed without any real purpose. PBL, on the other hand, taps into students' innate sense of curiosity and self-motivation. The intriguing and relevant problems ignite their passion for learning and curiosity to explore further.

In a problem-based learning environment, students become active participants rather than passive recipients of knowledge. They take ownership of their learning and develop a growth mindset. They become more resilient in the face of challenges and setbacks, knowing that mistakes and failures are opportunities for learning and improvement. This mindset fosters a love for learning and a lifelong appreciation for mathematics.

Implementing problem-based learning in the classroom requires thoughtful planning and design. Teachers need to carefully select and design problems that align with the mathematical concepts they want students to learn. They also need to provide appropriate scaffolding and support to ensure students can successfully tackle the problems. This includes providing resources, guiding questions, and facilitating productive discussions.

Furthermore, assessment in a problem-based learning environment should focus on students' understanding and problem-solving skills rather than memorization and rote learning. Traditional assessments such as multiple-choice exams may not effectively capture the depth of understanding and critical thinking developed through PBL. Instead, teachers can use performance-based assessments, portfolios, and presentations to evaluate students' learning outcomes.

, problem-based learning offers a refreshing and effective approach to teaching mathematics. By integrating real-world problems into the curriculum, PBL makes math meaningful, relevant, and enjoyable for students. It develops essential skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and communication. Moreover, PBL enhances students' motivation and engagement in mathematics, fostering a lifelong appreciation for the subject. As educators, it is our responsibility to embrace innovative teaching methods like problem-based learning and empower our students to become confident and proficient mathematicians.

Awesome Math: Teaching Mathematics with Problem Based Learning

by Titu Andreescu(1st Edition, Kindle Edition)

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	14592 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	267 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled
Paperback	:	53 pages
Item Weight	:	3.84 ounces
Dimensions	:	7 x 0.12 x 10 inches

FREE

Help your students to think critically and creatively through team-based problem solving instead of focusing on testing and outcomes. 

Professionals throughout the education system are recognizing that standardized testing is holding students back. Schools tend to view children as outcomes rather than as individuals who require guidance on thinking critically and creatively. Awesome Math focuses on team-based problem solving to teach discrete mathematics, a subject essential for success in the STEM careers of the future. Built on the increasingly popular growth mindset, this timely book emphasizes a problem-solving approach for developing the skills necessary to think critically, creatively, and collaboratively.

In its current form, math education is a series of exercises: straightforward problems with easily-obtained answers. Problem solving, however, involves multiple creative approaches to solving meaningful and interesting problems. The authors, co-founders of the multi-layered educational organization AwesomeMath, have developed an innovative approach to teaching mathematics that will enable educators to:

• Move their students beyond the calculus trap to study the areas of mathematics most of them will need in the modern world
• Show students how problem solving will help them achieve their educational and career goals and form lifelong communities of support and collaboration
• Encourage and reinforce curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity in their students
• Get students into the growth mindset, coach math teams, and make math fun again
• Create lesson plans built on problem based learning and identify and develop educational resources in their schools

Awesome Math: Teaching Mathematics with Problem Based Learning is a must-have resource for general education teachers and math specialists in grades 6 to 12, and resource specialists, special education teachers, elementary educators, and other primary education professionals.