Mathematical Problem Solving
MA-505 Spring 2014
Instructor: Dr. Vasiliy Prokhorov, ILB 422
prokhoro@southalabama.edu
Webpage: http://www.southalabama.edu/mathstat/personal pages/prokhorov/
Phone: 460-6758
Lectures: M 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. in ILB 410
Office Hours:
M 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., ILB 422
T R 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., ILB 422
T R 7:15 p.m. – 7:45 p.m., ILB 422
(or by appointment)
Learning Objective: The importance of teaching problem solving and reasoning is emphasized in the
recently adopted “Common Core Standards for Mathematical Practice”.
• Students will gain sound problem solving and reasoning skills.
• Students will gain the confidence to tackle open-ended math problems.
• Students will be able to promote problem solving as a way of learning, thinking about, and practicing
mathematics in their classrooms.
• Students will be able to initiate student-centered, inquiry-based pedagogies in their classrooms.
• Students will be better prepared to implement the “Common Core Standards for Mathematical
Practice” in their classroom.
Course description: An in-depth activity based approach to the methods and strategies for mathematical problem solving for students in Mathematical Education. Problems selected from logic, algebra,
analysis, geometry, combinatorics, number theory and probability. This course is designed for students
in the College of Education.
Text: Mathematical Circles (Russian Experience) by Dmitri Fomin, Sergey Genkin, Ilia Itenberg.
Mathematical World, Vol. 7, the American Mathematical Society. Publication Date: 1996, ISBN-10:
0821804308, ISBN-13: 978-0821804308
Syllabus: Chapters 0-9, 11, 12, 17
Prerequisites: Undergraduate degree in Mathematics or related field.
Attendance Policy: Students are expected to attend all classes and all sessions of the Mobile Mathematics Circle, and participate in discussions.
Homework assignments:
Weekly homework will be assigned in class. Not all of the homework will be collected and graded. That
which is collected will be called take-home quizzes.
Grading Policy:
The grade will be based on homework assignments and class participation (20%), two projects (20%
each), and two presentations (20% each). At least one presentation will be to students in the Mobile
Mathematics Circle.
Projects ( Due February 10, March 10)
Presentations ( Due March 24, April 21)
If the student accumulates:
at least 90% =A
at least 80% =B
at least 70% =C
at least 60% =D
less than 60% =F
Tutoring Lab: The department offers a tutoring lab to all students taking mathematics and statistics
classes. There is no lab fee. Please check the bulletin board outside ILB 325 for details.
If you have a specific disability that qualifies you for academic accommodations, please notify the instructor/professor and provide certification from Special Student Services.
Changes: Students will be notified in writing in case of changes to the syllabus.
Students who are thinking about dropping a course please speak first with the instructor, or department
chair (M. Mulekar), or assistant to the chair (S. Brick) before dropping.