The Prisoner Problem-a Generalization

2000 ◽  
Vol 93 (3) ◽  
pp. 192-193
Author(s):  
Gerald E. Gannon ◽  
Mario U. Martelli

Problem solving is generally recognized as one of the more important functions of mathematics, and producing “problem solvers” is one of the more important jobs of a mathematics teacher. In most problemsolving strategies, the final step is taking a look back after the problem has been solved to see whether the problem and the solution can be generalized. We believe that most classroom teachers would agree that this step is often the most difficult one in the problem-solving process. Hence, our purpose here is to suggest a possible generalization to a classic problem, one that is inherently interesting and that has a solution that is within the reach of most high school mathematics students.

2005 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 259-274
Author(s):  
Sameer Kumar ◽  
Thomas Ressler ◽  
Mark Ahrens

This article is an appeal to incorporate qualitative reasoning into quantitative topics and courses, especially those devoted to decision-making offered in colleges and universities. Students, many of whom join professional workforce, must become more systems thinkers and decision-makers than merely problem-solvers. This will entail discussion of systems thinking, not just reaching “the answer”. Managers will need to formally and forcefully discuss objectives and values at each stage of the problem-solving process – at the start, during the problem-solving stage, and at the interpretation of the results stage – in order to move from problem solving to decision-making. The authors suggest some methods for doing this, and provide examples of why doing so is so important for decision-makers in the modern world.


Author(s):  
Ariana-Stanca Vacaretu

Mathematics is or it should be about problem solving and math thinking. However, what mathematics students learn in schools is more about procedures for solving different types of math exercises and problems. In many cases, students learn by heart algorithms and words (math concepts) and use them for solving different math tasks. School math is very far from what mathematicians do and, in many cases, doesn’t motivate students for learning math. This paper presents the way we organized the assessment of the students’ skills developed through math research workshops and some of the assessment results. Even though we didn’t assess all the competences the students develop through the math research workshop, the findings show that the students certainly develop their problem-solving skills.


2017 ◽  
Vol 111 (3) ◽  
pp. 207-212 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristen N. Bieda ◽  
Craig Huhn

Middle and high school mathematics teachers share what they learned about supporting students by conducting a series of three lesson studies.


1986 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 14-17
Author(s):  
Roger P. Day

While teaching junior high school mathematics at the Stavanger American School in Norway. I sensed the need to challenge the students' perceptions of mathematics. The seventh and eighth graders seemed most concerned with producing correct answers. They saw little need for questioning, evaluating, checking, and comparing. They simply wanted to be shown “how to do it.” I set out to implement a problem-solving component within the structure of the junior high school curriculum that would alter this. “right-wrong-produce an anwer” mind set. This article reports my experience and sets forth ideas that may work for you.


1998 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 143-163 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carol E. Malloy ◽  
M. Gail Jones

In this study we examined the problem-solving characteristics, strategy selection and use, and verification actions of 24 African American 8th-grade students. Students participated in individual, talk-aloud problem-solving sessions and were interviewed about their problem solutions and attitudes about learning mathematics. Students displayed approaches attributed to African American learners in the literature, regularly using holistic rather than analytic reasoning; their display of confidence and high self-esteem did not appear to be related to success. Students' problem-solving actions matched previously reported characteristics of good mathematical problem solvers: successful use of strategies, flexibility in approach, use of verification actions, and ability to deal with irrelevant detail. Success was highly correlated with strategy selection and use and moderately correlated with verification actions.


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