Weaning Students Away from Depending Wholly on Formulas to Solve Math Problems, Using Open Ended Problems
Session Format
Presentation Session (45 minutes)
Location
Room 2901
Abstract for the conference program
Many under prepared undergraduates depend on memorized formulas to solve problems, and believe there is only one correct answer to a math problem. So, when they cannot get the correct answer by applying formulas, they get discouraged. We discuss examples of open ended problems that encourage mathematical thinking, and wean students away from depending wholly on formulas.
Proposal Track
Non-research Project
Start Date
3-7-2014 1:45 PM
End Date
3-7-2014 2:30 PM
Recommended Citation
Menon, Ramakrishnan, "Weaning Students Away from Depending Wholly on Formulas to Solve Math Problems, Using Open Ended Problems" (2014). Interdisciplinary STEM Teaching & Learning Conference (2012-2019). 10.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/stem/2014/2014/10
Weaning Students Away from Depending Wholly on Formulas to Solve Math Problems, Using Open Ended Problems
Room 2901
Many under prepared undergraduates depend on memorized formulas to solve problems, and believe there is only one correct answer to a math problem. So, when they cannot get the correct answer by applying formulas, they get discouraged. We discuss examples of open ended problems that encourage mathematical thinking, and wean students away from depending wholly on formulas.
