Problem-Solving


 * 1) [[image:PersonalLearning.JPG width="285" height="218" align="right" link="@http://peabody.vanderbilt.edu/projects/funded/jasper/Jasperhome.html"]]Jasper Woodbury Problem Solving Series: It consists of 12 video-disc based adventures that focus on mathematical problem finding and problem solving. Each adventure provides multiple opportunities for problem solving, reasoning, communication and making connections to other areas such as science, social studies, literature and history. Students who work with the series have shown gains in mathematical problem solving, communication abilities, and attitudes toward mathematics (read more)
 * 2) ESCOT, the "Educational Software Components Of Tomorrow: It is an NSF funded research project at SRI International. Its goal is to create standard components (such as a graph, a formula manipulator, a simulator, a slider, etc) that can be used by math professionals to create "activities" for children. Part of the process toward this ultimate goal is the graphical Problem of the Week, similar to the Math Forum's Problem of the Week and in fact hosted by the Math Forum. Problems of the Week are grouped by 4 or 5 to teach a particular concept, thus teaching a single concept for a month. Concepts range in difficulty and math area from statistics to using graphs to solve problems. Each problem attempts to teach the children through exploration and word-problem solving. Students answer the questions posed and submit their answers. Mentors then review the submitted answers and work with the student over email to solidify understanding.
 * 3) MindManager: It is one of several "mind mapping" or brainstorming software tools that is available that help you organize your thoughts, create �web-clusters�, prepare presentations, share ideas, and brainstorm, either individually or collaboratively.
 * 4) Computation Technology: It includes calculators and computer applications that perform calculation, including spreadsheets, graphing software, and modelling applications: Future Graph; Live Math; Math Xpert
 * 5) The International Telementor Center matches professionals 1-on-1 with students. Although research shows that face-to-face mentoring programs can have a variety of positive impacts, many talented and committed professionals believe they simply don't have the time to make that kind of commitment.� By spending about 30-45 minutes per week communicating via e-mail, adult mentors can share their experience and expertise, helping students achieve academic excellence in math and science, improve communication skills, and explore career and educational futures. Furthermore, students can be paired with mentors that are not located locally
 * 6) Visualizing abstract concepts:Students generally have a problem understanding that different representations can refer to the same mathematic expression. In addition, students may have a stronger understanding of one representation. Using applications that show multiple representations at once can help students make a connection between different representations. Being able to change one representation and seeing its effects in the other representations is even more powerful.