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Algebra Problem of the Week |
A Math Forum Project
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Algebra Problem of the Week |
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Submissions will be accepted through the Monday following the week of the problem; i.e. answers for the September 7-11 problem will be accepted through September 14. The posting of problems is automated and the submission form is removed at midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST).
Replies to messages from mentors will be accepted through the Thursday following the week of the problem, i.e. replies for the September 7-11 problem will be accepted through September 17.
Sample solutions will be posted on the Friday following the week of the problem; i.e. sample solutions for the September 7-11 problem will be posted on September 18.
A complete list of student and correct solutions will be posted as soon as the mentors have completed their work. The timing of this posting may vary from week to week.
A graphic that is a GIF, a JPEG, or a Sketchpad sketch may be sent along with the submission form.
Another way to include graphics with a solution is to make a web page and submit the URL with your solution.
The Algebra Problem of the Week can be used in a variety of ways. Many teachers use these problems in weekly cooperative learning problem-solving sessions. Other teachers preview the problem and assign it to the students if it fits in with the current topics they're covering. Still others require their students to do a certain number of problems per marking period - that way the students can pick and choose. Some simply give out the address of the Problems of the Week and give students an opportunity to participate if they want, but do not require them to submit solutions. Some teachers will give extra credit if a student does choose to take part. Other teachers use problems regularly in their classrooms but never send in any solutions! That's fine too.
When it comes to submitting solutions, some teachers send in all the solutions themselves, in order to preview their students' work. Other teachers have procured "group accounts" for their students to use. Increasing numbers of students have their own access, either at school or at home.
The problems come from a variety of sources, including textbooks, math contests, NCTM books, and puzzle books, and some are suggested by real-life situations. Mentors, teachers and students can also suggest problems to use.
The problems are designed to reflect different levels of difficulty. The goal is to challenge students with non-routine problems and encourage them to verbalize their solutions. Different types of problems are used to reach a diverse group of algebra students.
There are two ways for groups of students to submit solutions to the Problem of the Week.
On the submission page choose 2, 3, or 4 people to submit a solution from a group of students. Each student is identified by name and given credit for correct solutions. Such a group may change from week to week. Use this method when working with cooperative learning groups in a classroom. Groups should change frequently to allow students to practice working with others.
If the group is not expected to change for the entire year, on the submission page choose a team or class. Use this method to submit weekly solutions from a class or club. The group will receive credit for any correct solutions even if individual members of the group change.
While the Problem of the Week cannot please everyone all the time, we are open to suggestion. If you have comments on anything written here, or questions that have not been addressed, please write to webmaster@mathforum.org.
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