Teaching Mathematics Through Problem-Solving
A Pedagogical Approach from Japan
Studies in Mathematical Thinking and Learning Series

This engaging book offers an in-depth introduction to teaching mathematics through problem-solving, providing lessons and techniques that can be used in classrooms for both primary and lower secondary grades. Based on the innovative and successful Japanese approaches of Teaching Through Problem-solving (TTP) and Collaborative Lesson Research (CLR), renowned mathematics education scholar Akihiko Takahashi demonstrates how these teaching methods can be successfully adapted in schools outside of Japan.

TTP encourages students to try and solve a problem independently, rather than relying on the format of lectures and walkthroughs provided in classrooms across the world. Teaching Mathematics Through Problem-Solving gives educators the tools to restructure their lesson and curriculum design to make creative and adaptive problem-solving the main way students learn new procedures. Takahashi showcases TTP lessons for elementary and secondary classrooms, showing how teachers can create their own TTP lessons and units using techniques adapted from Japanese educators through CLR. Examples are discussed in relation to the Common Core State Standards, though the methods and lessons offered can be used in any country.

Teaching Mathematics Through Problem-Solving offers an innovative new approach to teaching mathematics written by a leading expert in Japanese mathematics education, suitable for pre-service and in-service primary and secondary math educators.

Foreword by Alan Schoenfeld, Series Editor

Preface

Chapter 1 Development and Major Concepts of Japanese "Teaching Through Problem-Solving" (TTP)

1.1 The Need to Move Beyond the Lecture Method

1.2 What is Japanese TTP?

1.3 Progression of TTP in Japan

1.4 The TTP Classroom

1.5 The Four Kinds of Whole Class Discussions (Neriage) in TTP

1.6 Types of TTP lessons

Chapter 2 TTP Lessons You Can Use

2.1 TTP Lessons to Develop Conceptual and Procedural Understandings

2.2 TTP Lessons to Expand Understanding

2.3 TTP Lessons with Multiple Correct Solutions

Chapter 3 Designing Your Own TTP Lessons

3.1 Kyouzai Kenkyuu, the Necessary Groundwork

3.2 Modify Existing Problems to Create TTP Lessons

3.3 How to Write a TTP Lesson Plan

Chapter 4 How TTP and Collaborative Lesson Research Can Change Your School

4.1 Jyugyou Kenkyuu, Japan’s Professional Development Program

4.2 Using CLR at Your School to Implement TTP

4.3 Advantages of CLR

Index

Akihiko Takahashi is an Associate Professor at DePaul University, where he teaches mathematics and mathematics education. He has over forty years of first-hand experience in TTP, as well as Japanese Lesson Study, and was one of the leading mathematics teachers in Japan. Since the late 1980s, he has continued to serve as both a writer and editor of Japanese mathematics textbook series, including the best-selling mathematics textbook, Atarashii Sannsuu(New Mathematics for Elementary School), published in Japan by Tokyo Shoseki.