Teachers Solving Mathematics Problems: Lessons from their Learning Journeys

This paper reports on the learning journeys in mathematical problem solving of 21 teachers enrolled on a Masters of Education course entitled Discrete Mathematics and Problem Solving. It draws from the reports written by these teachers on their personal journeys: the commonalities and differences among them in terms of how they look at their own problem solving experiences, what language they employ in talking about problem solving, and what impact the course has on their views about problem solving. One particular aspect of problem solving instruction, a pedagogical innovation called the Practical Worksheet, is addressed in some detail. These graduate students are full-time mathematics teachers with at least two years of classroom experience. They include primary and secondary teachers.