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Mathematical Problem-Solving Using Real-World Problems

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Authentic Problem Solving and Learning in the 21st Century

Part of the book series: Education Innovation Series ((EDIN))

Abstract

According to the Singapore primary mathematics curriculum (2006), it is important that students tackle a variety of mathematical problems, including real-world problems, as they apply their mathematical problem-solving skills. This paper examines the challenges and affordances of using real-world problems with young children in a primary school in Singapore. Using the laboratory class cycle, the teachers in the study planned, observed and critiqued a mathematics lesson using real-world problems for primary two children. Data in this study includes the teachers’ conversations during the laboratory cycle and the students’ responses during the observed mathematics lessons using real-world problems. Our findings show that the real-world problem used in this study generated rich mathematical classroom discussion. The teachers’ learning from using real-world problems through the laboratory cycle and the challenges they faced were discussed in this study.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    A sample of the Bookshop and Restaurant problem appeared in Cheng (2013).

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Acknowledgement

The authors would like to express gratitude to associate professor Lee Peng Yee for his special insight into mathematics education.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Mathematics and Mathematics Education Academic Group, National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore

    Lu Pien Cheng & Tin Lam Toh

Authors
  1. Lu Pien Cheng
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  2. Tin Lam Toh
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Lu Pien Cheng .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Education, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea (Republic of)

    Young Hoan Cho

  2. Nanyang Technological University, National Institute of Education, Singapore, Singapore

    Imelda S. Caleon

  3. Nanyang Technological University, National Institute of Education, Singapore, Singapore

    Manu Kapur

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Cheng, L.P., Toh, T.L. (2015). Mathematical Problem-Solving Using Real-World Problems. In: Cho, Y., Caleon, I., Kapur, M. (eds) Authentic Problem Solving and Learning in the 21st Century. Education Innovation Series. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-287-521-1_4

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