Problem Posing and Critiquing

What is Problem Posing?

Generation of new problems and questions

Reformulation of a problem during the course of

solving it

Encompasses problem sharing, problem critiquing

and problem refinement
 Why include Problem Posing
in Math Curriculum
Important component of authentic mathematics
Enables children to follow lines of inquiry that are
personally satisfying.
Encourages children’s participation in math problem
solving
Improves children’s understanding of deep structure
Fosters diverse and flexible thinking
Improves students’ confidence in and attitudes towards
mathematics
 Process

Solve a problem.
Create a similar problem.
Share your problem
Critique your friend problem.
Refine your problem.
Ways of Modifying Problems 1

Model a new problem on

an old structure
 Model a New Problem
on an Old Structure
Six rose bushes in a
garden. Each bush has 4
flowers. How many rose
flowers in the garden?

I had six daisy plants.

Each plant had 4 flowers.
How many daisies are
their in the garden?
 Model a New Problem on an Old
Structure
I have six shirts and four
pairs of trousers. How
many different
combinations of shirts
and trousers do I have?
 Ways of Modifying Problems 2

Transform a given problem

 Transform a given problem by:

Reversing problem elements

Removing elements (e.g., constraints)
Adding elements (e.g., constraints)
Modifying elements (e.g., the use of “what-if-not” strategy)
 Reversing Problem Elements

At the Rainforest School’s annual sports day, the Gold

Team scores 568 points. This was 149 points more than
the Green Team scored. How many points did the
Green team score?

At the Rainforests School’s annual sports day, the Gold

team scored 149 points more than the Green Team.
The Gold Team scored 568 points. How many points
did the Green team score?
 Removing Elements
Suzie had $4.50 to spend.
She bought 3 items. Which Pear 75c
items could she have Banana $1.25
bought?
Apple $1.50
What if Suzie did not like
pears, what might she have Pineapple $1.15
bought? Strawberries $1.85
Suzie had $4.50 to Cherries 85c
spend. Which items
could she have bought?
 Adding Elements

Suzie had $4.75 to spend.

Pear 75c
Which items could she have
bought? Banana $1.25
Apple $1.50
Suzie had $4.75 to
Pineapple $1.15
spend. She bought 4
items. Which items could Strawberries $1.85
she have bought? Cherries 85c
 Modifying Elements

Suzie had $4.75 to Pear 75c

spend. She bought 4 Banana $1.25
items. If she was allergic Apple $1.50
to cherries, which items
could she have bought? Pineapple $1.15
Strawberries $1.85
Cherries 85c