MATtours of discrete mathematics

Teaching: Model the problem

Remind students of the modeling process. (A transparency * for this may help.)

In collaborative small groups or through a full-class conversation you moderate, develop one or more mathematical models of the problem. Mathematical terminology isn't important at this point, but be ready to introduce it in context if it will ease students' efforts to communicate about the problem. The Model section of the tour, which you can reach from the Navigation window, shows one way that the modeling process could develop.

Using the model that is the focus of the tour will ensure that you are using a model that is suitable for all of the questions and ideas that will be raised in the tour. If there are some students who aren't convinced that this model is the best one to use, let them work with another model for later comparison.