The King Alfred's College Maths Game: Problem solving and mathematical activity

Abstract

The paper describes the use, with primary school maths teachers on an in-service course, of a problem-solving activity in a game format known as the King Alfred's College Maths Game. The game, a variant of a more generalised problem-solving activity, is described in some detail, and the responses of teachers to this are discussed. Use of the game demonstrates to teachers that approaches to problem-solving need to be developed through structured learning experiences which provide material for reflection, and that this reflection requires the teacher to act as questioning agent.