Math Problem Solving

Math Problem Solving (MPSE) is a Baby CTY course that introduces students to problem solving. This course is offered at Alexandria. It was previously offered at Alexandria, Bethesda, Brooklandville, La Jolla, Owings Mills, Pasadena and Sandy Spring.

Course Description

From the CTY Course Catalog (1997):

One of the principal reasons for studying mathematics is to learn how to solve problems. Effective problem solving requires originality, creativity, judgement, and independent thought. Students in this course are taught to analyze a problem and to draw from a variety of well-known problem-solving strategies in their search for a solution. Students learn to ask precise and thought-provoking questions, to match appropriate strategies to particular problems, and to explain their thought processes more precisely. Group interaction is an integral part of the learning process; students share their strategies for solving problems with each other.

Depending upon their mathematical experience and their facility with new content, students are given problems from arithmetic, pre-algebra, or algebra. The strategies they learn provide a common language for discussing problems with other students, even if those students are working on problems from other areas of mathematics. Instructors model problem-solving strategies and engage students in a wide range of related activities, games, and explorations.