Lessons for mathematical problem solving: the case of mathematical models
Session Overview
We live in a world of mathematical models. They are central to our understanding of natural phenomena, and they are developed in all manner of situations at all kinds of levels of sophistication.
We can make our own simple models to organise something like a party or they may be very complex as scientists struggle to better understand climate change, epidemics, weather and so on. However, they are rarely mentioned in classrooms in school. In this session we will explore what lessons that focus on what mathematical models and modelling might look like. We will consider how problem solving using mathematical models can connect students to meaningful decision making with personal and social consequences.
Short biography
Geoff is emeritus professor of mathematics education at the University of Nottingham, where his research currently focuses on the mathematically disadvantaged and collaborative lesson research. In the long tradition of task design and development at Nottingham he has always had a focus on curriculum and assessment that connects mathematics to its use beyond mathematics as a domain of study. Over many years he has been involved in curriculum specification that has promoted the potential application of mathematics in situations that arise from work, study and society.
