Editorial: (Why) Yet another issue on Problem Solving?
Bharath Sriraman · The Mathematics Enthusiast · 2013
This is the 10th volume of The Mathematics Enthusiast, consisting of 500+ pages in 18 articles that give reflections, directions and the state of the art of mathematical problem solving as it relates to the field of mathematics education. This impressive collection compiled and guest edited by Manuel Santos-Trigo and Luis Moreno-Armella contains a treasure trove of scholarship from both the pioneers of this area of research (Alan Schoenfeld, Richard Lesh, Frank Lester, among others) as well as reports on new areas of study from Mexico, France and Spain. Two of the articles (Mamona-Downs & Downs, Selden & Selden) discuss the connections between problem solving and proof, and one piece (Flores & Braker) explores an interesting open-ended problem. There are many themes in this double issue- For instance those interested in advances in problem solving as a result of new technologies such as haptic devices will find articles (e.g., Hegedus) that report on cutting edge investigations. Others interested in cognition and learning trajectories as a result of problem solving practices will find articles that cater to this particular taste. The reflections by forerunners such as Alan Schoenfeld and Frank Lester are well worth reading for anyone that wants to catch up with developments in problem solving in the last 40 years.