Mathematics teaching materials

Problems with Patterns and Numbers
(The Blue Box Materials)

Written by the Shell Centre Team. Published by Shell Centre & Joint Matriculation Board 1984.

Sold as a "School's Pack" containing a 165 page teachers' book and a pack of 60 photocopying masters.
Price in UK pounds: £25.

Problems with Patterns and Numbers has become an influential book on the teaching of problem solving. It focuses on non-routine problem solving in mathematics, and the teaching strategies needed to handle it in the classroom. It is aimed at the upper half of the ability range and ages 13-16, but is more widely applicable with some adaptation. The classroom materials, covering three to six weeks work, provide close detailed support for the pupils (and the teacher) in the initial stages: this is gradually reduced as they become more experienced until they are in a position to tackle a wide range of unfamiliar problems and assessment tasks on their own. Most of the problems have both spatial and numerical aspects. There are five short chapters on aspects of tackling problem solving in the classroom, including a question marking exercise.

"By addressing the query of 'how do you assess open ended problem solving', the Shell team generated a classic resource, from which has grown the substantial literature of alternative assessment of today." - AAMT

"The materials are very well produced with attractive worksheets and an abundance of materials from which to select." - Mathematical Gazette

Problemas con pautas y números, the Spanish language edition of Problems with Patterns and Numbers is available from Servicio Editorial, Universidad del País Vasco, Apdo. postal 1.397, E-48080 Bilbao, Spain (and not from the Shell Centre).