A presentation presented by myself at the recent IEB Mathematics regional conference held on 10 February 2018 about the importance of Theory in Mathematical problem solving

1. Theory as foundation
The importance of theory in Mathematics as a tool to ensure
learners can solve complex problems.
Presented by Sarel van Greunen
AKA Mr vG

2. “Theory, oh theory, why should my time be wasted upon thee?”
 Million dollar question:

3. Applied vs Pure Mathematics
 Article written by Jeroen Strijbosch:
Applied vs. Pure Math – How we (Should) Design Math Education
 Study done in 2016 by Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)
about students writing the PISA test.
 Written by students from 94 countries.
 Excerpt from article:
“Andreas Schleicher, director of the education and skills department at the
OECD, explained it thusly: “Our analysis is [that] when students have really understood the
foundations, they can extrapolate. They can apply that knowledge in another
context. However, if they only teach students tips and tricks, how to solve small everyday
problems, they know how to solve those problems, but they’re not good at transferring
that knowledge to another context.””

4. Dream houses
(https://s-media-cache-
ak0.pinimg.com/236x/4d/42/99/4d429996e53aec730
148fcc01d9bae3b.jpg)
(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/AZ8SVP5yCLo/maxresdefault.jpg)

5. Reality
http://www.bellabeachproperties.com/wp-
content/uploads/2014/04/house-falling-apart-1.jpg
(http://www.ci.issaquah.wa.us/images/pages/N240/Earthquake.jpg)

6. Building your Mathematics house
Foundation
Walls
Windows
Doors
Roof

7. Building your Mathematics house
Foundation
Walls
Windows
Doors
Roof
Definitions
Methods
Axioms
Conjectures
Formulas
Theorems with proofs
Reasoning
Problem solving
WHY?
HOW?
OR
WHAT?

8. What is our role as teachers?
 Tools and Materials

9. What is our role as teachers?
 Guidance and Mentoring

10. What is our role as teachers?
 Feedback

11. Last thing to remember
If you raise your learners like sheep, then sheep they will always be…

12. If you raise your learners like philosophers, then the world will be
forever changed.

13. Contact details
 E-mail: vgsarel@gmail.com
 LinkedIn: Sarel van Greunen
 Cellphone number: 0861 424242 (0861 HAHAHA)… just kidding.
 Enjoy the rest of your day!