In 1980, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics stated that “problem solving must be the focus of school mathematics.” In 1989 the Council reaffirmed that belief with the Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics (Standards). Standard 1 for grades K–12 is “Mathematics as Problem Solving.” The Standards also asserts that “a computer should be available in every classroom for demonstration purposes, and every student should have access to a computer for individual and group work.” Also according to the Standards, “manipulative materials are necessary for good mathematics instruction.” In a typical classroom, problem solving may be taught, manipulative materials may be used, or students may be working at a computer. These functions, however, are usually completed as disjoint activities. Integrating these activities is possible, and this article illustrates how it can be done.
Prospective Elementary School Teachers' Conception on Good Mathematics Instruction
