Teachers as problem solvers/problem solvers as teachers: Teachers' practice and teaching of mathematical problem solving

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship among three high school mathematics teachers definitions and beliefs about mathematical problem solving, their problem solving practices and how they teach mathematical problem solving. Each teacher was interviewed three times and observed once during a problem solving lesson. Data comprised of transcriptions of audio tapes, field notes, and completed problem solving checklists were used to prepare the case studies. While the definitions, practices and teaching of the teachers varied, the findings were consistent within each case. The results suggest that how teachers are taught and what they learn as students are related to how they teach mathematical problem solving.