PROBLEM SOLVING ANDHINTS POSING

Twenty teachers were asked whatthey think about problem solving, how they manage problem solving in their class, and how they pose hints to problems as scaffolds to the students. This paperreports their answers and analyzes them. According to the teachers, problem solving makes the teaching more interesting, is fun for the students and increases motivation to study mathematics. Problem solving develops mathematical thinking and creativity, including thinking outside the box. Problem solving allows deep understanding of the material, develops the ability to cope with complicated problems and can be used to identify the potential of the students. On the other hand, the teachers mentioned lack of time and increased teaching and learning load as disadvantages of problem solving. Some teachers felt that problem solving is useful only for teaching excellent students in small groups. The teachers were asked to suggest interesting problems and hints as scaffolds to solve the problems. The problems and the hints are described in the paper. The teachers answers show that the art of posing problems and hints should be developed.This can be done in all problem-solving courses for pre-service teachers and in professional development programs for teachers.