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keeping math simple and challenging
http://keepingmathsimple.wordpress.com
my contribution to bridging the gap between theory and practice in mathematics teaching and learning
Recent Posts
Assessing understanding of graphs and functions
Problems about graphs can be grouped into interpretation or construction tasks. Tasks on interpreting graphs may involve interpreting individual points, an interval, or the entire graph. The same may be said about construction tasks. It may involv...
Evolution of the definition of function
How do you define function? Do you teach relation first before teaching function? Does knowing about relation a pre-requisite to function understanding? Let me share with you the evolution of the definition of the concept of function. The concept o...
solving systems of equation by elimination – why it works and how to teach it with conceptual understanding
Mathematical knowledge is only powerful to the extent to which it is understood conceptually, not just procedurally. For example, to solve a system of linear equation is to find a pair of values common to all equations in the system. Students are o...
Features of good problem solving tasks for learning mathematics
To acquire higher-order thinking skills (HOTS) the mind needs to engage in higher-order learning task (HOLT). A good task for developing higher-order thinking skills is a problem solving task. But not all problems are created equal. Some problems ar...
Teaching through Problem Solving
Problem solving is not only the reason for teaching and learning mathematics. It is also the means for learning it. In the words of Hiebert et al: Students should be allowed to make the subject problematic. … Allowing the subject t...
The heart of mathematics
Axioms, theorems, proofs, definitions, methods, are just some of the sacred words in mathematics. These words command respect and create awe especially to mathematicians but deliver shock to many students. P.R. Halmos argued that not even one of th...

