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Problem solving in the mathematics curriculum: From domain‐general strategies to domain‐specific tactics.

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Title: Problem solving in the mathematics curriculum: From domain‐general strategies to domain‐specific tactics.
Authors: Foster, Colin1 c.foster@lboro.ac.uk
Source: Curriculum Journal. Nov2023, Vol. 34 Issue 4, p594-612. 19p.
Subject Terms: *Mathematics education, *Problem solving, *Content analysis, *Curriculum, Heuristic algorithms
Abstract: Problem solving is widely regarded as a fundamental feature within the school mathematics curriculum. However, there is considerable disagreement over what exactly problem solving is, and if and how it can be taught. In this article, I define problems as non‐routine tasks and propose the explicit teaching of domain‐specific problem‐solving tactics that are applicable over narrow ranges of mathematical content. This is in contrast to the widespread practice of attempting to teach domain‐general strategies that are supposedly applicable across diverse content areas. The proposed approach here systematically introduces students to a well‐defined set of high‐leverage content‐specific tactics, presented in a purposeful order and taught explicitly through the use of carefully chosen problems which those tactics dramatically unlock. I argue that this sequenced approach to teaching problem‐solving addresses concerns widely reported about the apparent unteachability of domain‐general problem‐solving strategies and has the potential to enable all students to benefit from a powerful problem‐solving mathematics curriculum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Copyright of Curriculum Journal is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
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  Data: Problem solving in the mathematics curriculum: From domain‐general strategies to domain‐specific tactics.
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  Data: Problem solving is widely regarded as a fundamental feature within the school mathematics curriculum. However, there is considerable disagreement over what exactly problem solving is, and if and how it can be taught. In this article, I define problems as non‐routine tasks and propose the explicit teaching of domain‐specific problem‐solving tactics that are applicable over narrow ranges of mathematical content. This is in contrast to the widespread practice of attempting to teach domain‐general strategies that are supposedly applicable across diverse content areas. The proposed approach here systematically introduces students to a well‐defined set of high‐leverage content‐specific tactics, presented in a purposeful order and taught explicitly through the use of carefully chosen problems which those tactics dramatically unlock. I argue that this sequenced approach to teaching problem‐solving addresses concerns widely reported about the apparent unteachability of domain‐general problem‐solving strategies and has the potential to enable all students to benefit from a powerful problem‐solving mathematics curriculum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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  Data: <i>Copyright of Curriculum Journal is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract.</i> (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
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        Value: 10.1002/curj.213
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      – Code: eng
        Text: English
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        PageCount: 19
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      – SubjectFull: Mathematics education
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Problem solving
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      – SubjectFull: Content analysis
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Curriculum
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      – SubjectFull: Heuristic algorithms
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      – TitleFull: Problem solving in the mathematics curriculum: From domain‐general strategies to domain‐specific tactics.
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              M: 11
              Text: Nov2023
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              Y: 2023
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