Problem Challenge is a mathematics problem solving competition run by the University of Otago which has been offered to schools throughout New Zealand since 1991. This year 20 Y8 students from MBAS participated and are to be congratulated for their achievements. Four students were awarded excellence certificates and four merit certificates and all showed focus and perseverance to learn new probelm solving strategies. Well done to Kobi, Tiana, Daniel and Torell for their excellence awards, to Kees, Joshua, Georgia and Jonika for their merit awards and to all participants - congratulations.
The value of such problem solving competitions is well recognized overseas. For example, similar schemes are run in Australia, Britain and the United States. Here in New Zealand, the Mathematics Curriculum emphasizes the need for a problem-solving approach to maths and says: “Teachers can create opportunities for students to develop [good problem solving techniques] by encouraging them to practise and learn such simple strategies as guessing and checking, drawing a diagram, making lists, looking for patterns, classifying...etc.” The Problem Challenge did exactly that. Now try and see how you would tackle similar questions
