Problem Solving Resources

Problem Solving Resources

Compiled By:

Vi Maeers and David Bale,
Faculty of Education,
University of Regina

The following list is one that has been used and found most helpful in the study of problem solving.

An * denotes those resources with many actual problem examples.

Baker, D., Semple, C., & Stead, T. (1990). How Big is the Moon. Portsmouth NH: Heinemann.

* Baroody, A. (1993). Problem Solving, Reasoning and Communicating, K-8. Helping Children Think Mathematically. Toronto: Maxwell Macmillan Canada.

* Burns, M. (1975). The I Hate Mathematics Book. Toronto: Little, Brown, & Co.

* Burton, L. (1984). Thinking Things Through. Problem Solving in Mathematics. Oxford: Basil Blackwell.

Charles, R. & Lester, F. (1982). Teaching Problem Solving. What, Why & How. Palo Alto, CA: Dale Seymour Publications.

* Charles, R. I., Mason R. P., & Martin, L. (1985). Problem-Solving Experiences in Mathematics. Toronto: Addison- Wesley.

* Dudeney, H. E. (1967). 536 Puzzles & Curious Problems. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons.

* Educational Quality Indicators (EQI) Mathematics Project (1992). Problem Solving Profiles. Calgary, AB: Calgary Board of Education.

* Fraser, S. (1982). S.P.A.C.E.S. (Solving Problems of Access to Careers in Engineering and Science). Palo Alto, CA: Dale Seymour Publications.

* Gardner, M. (1961). Entertaining Mathematical Puzzles. New York: Dover Publications Inc.

* Gardner, M. (1978). Aha! Insight. San Francisco: Scientific American, Inc./ W. H. Freeman & Co,

* Gardner, M ( 1982). Aha! Gotcha. Paradoxes to Puzzle and Delight. San Francisco: W.H. Freeman & Co.

* Harnadek, A. (1982). Mind Benders. Pacific Grove, CA: Midwest Publications Co., Inc.

Kloster, A. & Evans, N. (1993). Teaching problem solving: The influence of teachers' own learning experiences as mathematical problem solvers on their classroom practice. A Paper presented at the XXI Annual Conference of The Canadian Society of The Study of Education. June 10-13, Ottawa, Ontario.

* Krulik, S. & Rudnick, J.A. (1980). Problem Solving, A Handbook for Teachers. Toronto: Allyn & Bacon, Inc.

* Muller, R. (1989). The Great Book of Math Teasers. New York: Sterling Publishing Co., Inc.

National Commission on Excellence in Education (1983). A Nation At Risk. The Imperative for Educational Reform. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Education.

NCTM (1989). The Curriculum and Evaluation Standards. Reston, VA: NCTM.

* Nelson, D. & Worth, J. (1983). How to Choose and Create Good Problems for Primary Children. Reston, VA: The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.

* Overholt, J.L., Rincon, J.B. & Ryan, C.A. (1984). Math Problems Solving for Grades 4 Through 8. Toronto: Allyn & Bacon, Inc.

Polya, G. (1985). How to Solve it. A New Aspect of Mathematical Method Princeton NJ: Princeton University Press.

Saskatchewan Education (1992). Mathematics -- A Curriculum Guide for the Elementary Level. Regina, Sask.

Schoenfeld, A. (1985). Mathematical Problem Solving. Toronto: Academic Press.

Schoenfeld, A. H. (1987). Confessions of an accidental theorist. For the Learning of Mathematics,7, 1 30-38.

Seymour, D. & Beardsle, E. (1988). Critical Thinking Activities in Patterns, Imagery, and Logic. Palo Alto, CA: Dale Seymour Publications.

Stanic, G.M.A. & Kilpatrick, J. (1989). Historical perspectives on problem solving in the mathematics curriculum. In Charles, R.I. & Silver, E.A. (Eds.) The Teaching and Assessing of Mathematical Problem Solving. Reston VA: NCTM / Lawerance Erlbaum Associates.

Troutman, A.P. & Lichtenberg, B.K. (1991). Mathematics A Good Beginning. Strategies for Teaching Children, 4th Ed. Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole Publishing Company.

Watson, J.M. (1988). Three hungry men and strategies for problem solving. For the Learning of Mathematics,8, 3, 20-26.

Wirtz, R. (1978). An elementary mathematics curriculum for ALL children. A Major Address presented at the National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics at their Annual Meetings, San Diego, CA, April, 1978.

Wheatley, G.H.(1983 - 1984). Problem solving makes math scores soar. Educational Leadership, December, 1983 - January, 1984, pp. 52-53.


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