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K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

problem centered mathematics

Learn more about problem centered mathematics

Problem centered math
Why students must build their own understanding of mathematics if they are to be able to use it in the real world, and how teachers can guide them in doing so.
Format: series (multiple pages)
Student presentations in the problem-centered classroom
In Problem centered math, page 2.2
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...
By Grayson Wheatley.
Why problem-centered learning?
The world our students will live and work in will require them to gather, organize, and interpret data in the process of finding solutions to complex problems. Problem-centered learning creates a model where the student becomes the thinker.
Format: article
By Mike Kestner.
Problem-centered lesson on the Pythagorean Theorem
This lesson is designed to help students give meaning to solving problems using the Pythagorean Theorem in a useful and meaningful situation.
Format: lesson plan (grade 8 Mathematics)
By Brent Bustle.
Fire in Pythagorville: Problem-centered lessons
Students will work on problem-centered lessons which use the application of the Pythagorean theorem to put out a fire in the fictional town of Pythagorville.
Format: lesson plan (grade 8 Mathematics)
By Kelly Crisp.

Find all 14 resources in our collection.

Student-centered mathematics instruction that uses problem solving as a means to discovery of mathematical procedures and emphasizes real-world applications to mathematical concepts.

Additional information

Research into students’ mathematical awareness indicates that students in the U.S. have adequate awareness of mathematical procedures but inadequate experience applying mathematical concepts to real-world problems.

Examples and resources

See LEARN NC’s series of articles on Problem Centered Math for resources and information.