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ERIC Number: EJ1477365
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025
Pages: 5
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0228-0671
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: 0000-00-00
Problem Solving with Discrete Variables from a Computational Thinking Perspective
Oi-Lam Ng
For the Learning of Mathematics, v45 n2 p44-48 2025
This essay extends beyond the characteristics and discourse of word problems to, more generally, school mathematical problem-solving and the implications entailed by a predominant paper-and-pencil mode of learning and instruction since the modern era of education. Contrasting what I call "one-handed" (with paper-and-pencil) with "two-handed" (computer-assisted) approach to problem solving, I suggest that the latter offers a more contemporary view of mathematics education, which is widely under-represented in school curricula. Drawing upon a problem with discrete variables and interpreting its possible solutions by computational means of problem solving, I discuss the kinds of mathematics and computational thinking (CT) learning made possible in programming-rich contexts. I end with discussing the contribution of taking a CT perspective for mathematics education and the implications of adopting such a perspective for school mathematical problem-solving.
FLM Publishing Association. 382 Education South, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G5, Canada. e-mail: flm2@ualberta.ca; Web site: https://flm-journal.org/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: Elementary Education; Grade 5; Intermediate Grades; Middle Schools; Grade 6; Grade 7; Junior High Schools; Secondary Education; Grade 8
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A