Different types of maths question
Some thoughts on types of problem
Problem
There are many different styles of question which can be used very effectively to develop knowledge of mathematics and mathematical skill.
General use of interactive elements
A very simple tool is to allow the dragging of cards around on the screen. This device can be used in many ways.
IFFY logic - This exercise gives practice in logical reasoning
Proof sorters - Proof sorters give students access to proofs beyond their means to construct directly, and can be used to transmit many mathematical ideas
Fluency and practice
There are many bad examples of this sort of thing on the web. Rather than simply use multiple choice, there are better ways to develop speed and fluency.
Mathmo
Problems making use of video
Video can be used effectively to set up a problem or activity
Summing geometric progressions
Sets of graded questions
Sometimes lots of small questions build up into a nice collection of structured exercises. These are good for allowing exploration of breaking down a difficult concept into more manageable chunks
Transformations for 10
The clue is in the question
Problems which consolidate learning
Some problems are ideal as end of topic consolidation or refreshment of ideas before a new topic is started.
Integration Matcher
Impossible triangles
Trig reps
Problems which introduce new ideas
Hyperbolic thinking
Problems which can be solved in many different ways
The same problems can often be solved in many different ways. This allows students to revisit problems when new content is learned.
Curved Square
Problems which may be used in multiple ways
The same problem can be used by a teacher in multiple ways, depending on the needs of the students.
Whose line graph is it anyway?
Sequences of linked tasks and ideas
The web allows for tasks to be linked together in lots of interesting ways
Weekly Challenge 19: Prime Aps
Good contexts
Sometimes there is simply a great concept which can be used in many different ways
Power countdown
Calculus Countdown
General mathematical thinking
Some activities have relatively little content but can be good for developing mathematical thinking
Air nets
Painting by numbers
Interactive articles
Many expositions of material can be threaded with small questions along the way.
Euler's Formula and Topology
Introduction to differentiation
Problems allowing exposure to advanced mathematics
Often problems can be created which give access to the ideas involved in advanced mathematics, without the need for being able to do the advanced mathematics
Easy as abc
Just nice problems
There are lots of problems that are just nice to have around
Absurdity
General use of interactive elements
A very simple tool is to allow the dragging of cards around on the screen. This device can be used in many ways.
IFFY logic - This exercise gives practice in logical reasoning
Proof sorters - Proof sorters give students access to proofs beyond their means to construct directly, and can be used to transmit many mathematical ideas
Fluency and practice
There are many bad examples of this sort of thing on the web. Rather than simply use multiple choice, there are better ways to develop speed and fluency.
Mathmo
Problems making use of video
Video can be used effectively to set up a problem or activity
Summing geometric progressions
Sets of graded questions
Sometimes lots of small questions build up into a nice collection of structured exercises. These are good for allowing exploration of breaking down a difficult concept into more manageable chunks
Transformations for 10
The clue is in the question
Problems which consolidate learning
Some problems are ideal as end of topic consolidation or refreshment of ideas before a new topic is started.
Integration Matcher
Impossible triangles
Trig reps
Problems which introduce new ideas
Hyperbolic thinking
Problems which can be solved in many different ways
The same problems can often be solved in many different ways. This allows students to revisit problems when new content is learned.
Curved Square
Problems which may be used in multiple ways
The same problem can be used by a teacher in multiple ways, depending on the needs of the students.
Whose line graph is it anyway?
Sequences of linked tasks and ideas
The web allows for tasks to be linked together in lots of interesting ways
Weekly Challenge 19: Prime Aps
Good contexts
Sometimes there is simply a great concept which can be used in many different ways
Power countdown
Calculus Countdown
General mathematical thinking
Some activities have relatively little content but can be good for developing mathematical thinking
Air nets
Painting by numbers
Interactive articles
Many expositions of material can be threaded with small questions along the way.
Euler's Formula and Topology
Introduction to differentiation
Problems allowing exposure to advanced mathematics
Often problems can be created which give access to the ideas involved in advanced mathematics, without the need for being able to do the advanced mathematics
Easy as abc
Just nice problems
There are lots of problems that are just nice to have around
Absurdity