Introducing Nonroutine Math Problems to Secondary Learners: 60+ Engaging Examples and Strategies to Improve Higher-Order Problem-Solving Skills

Offering secondary math educators an innovative holistic and process-orientated approach for implementing nonroutine problems into their curriculum, this book defines and establishes practical strategies to develop students’ problem-solving skills. The text focuses on the process skills necessary to solve nonroutine problems in mathematics and other subjects, with the goal of making students better problem-solvers both in and outside of the classroom.

Chapters present and define a curriculum of over 60 nonroutine problems in mathematics and other content areas, and explore the pedagogy to implement this type of curriculum consistent with the NCTM Standards and Principles to Action. Four different models of implementation are discussed, alongside a structured approach through seven difficulty levels (with examples), to ensure that every student, independent of their mastery of mathematics content, can improve their ability to solve nonroutine problems. It emphasizes to students how to transfer their problem-solving skills to other real-world areas, including increasing ecological awareness, appreciating diversity and addressing significant and meaningful problems in their life, school and community. The curriculum introduced in this book can be included as a component of a traditional four-year academic high school curriculum aligned with the Common Core Mathematical Practices, or as part of a one-year isolated required or elective mathematics course.

Based on extensive field-testing this approach has been effective in both traditional mathematics courses and math electives such as a course in Problem-Solving. This book provides the necessary guidance to allow each mathematics teacher to effectively integrate the approach in their classrooms. This book is ideal for secondary mathematics teachers of all levels, as well as teachers of mathematics electives.

Robert London is a professor emeritus at California State University, San Bernardino, USA, and was program coordinator for the MA in Holistic and Integrative Education and a mathematics educator. He also has 20 years of experience as a secondary mathematics chair and teacher, school director and elementary and middle school teacher.