2.2 Student presentations in the problem-centered classroom

By Grayson Wheatley

The video clip below shows students presenting their solutions to a math problem. The students worked on the problem in pairs, and several pairs of students used different methods to reach different results. A discussion results among the students as to the best way to solve the problem. Note that Professor Wheatley, facilitating from the back of the room, does not guide the students to a correct method or answer. Yet by the end of the session, the students have reached a consensus as to the correct answer.

Note: The problem the students are discussing is the last in a series. It is not necessary to see or understand the previous problems to understand this one; this problem was selected here because it generated the most debate among the students and thus offers the best look at an ideal problem-centered classroom environment.

The problem

Yolanda found that the warehouse had no more room for boxes, so she stacked a truckload of boxes outside. The stack was 6 feet high, 10 feet wide, and 8 feet long. Yolanda needed a rectangular tarp to cover the boxes for protection. What size tarp would she need?

Video of student presentations

Part 1 (4:01)

Part 2 (4:55)

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