
In this chapter, I analyze multiple solution tasks (MSTs) and mathematical investigations (MIs) and the interplay between them. I argue that MSTs and MIs are effective instructional tools for balancing the level of mathematical challenge in the mathematics classroom and, thus, for realizing students’ mathematical potential at different levels. Additionally, these tasks lead to the development of mathematical knowledge, mental flexibility, and critical thinking. They also deepen mathematical understanding since they promote the design of mathematical connections of different types. I present several examples of MSTs and MIs and analyze these mathematical tasks from the perspective of their conventionality, the mathematical connections embedded in the tasks, and their potential for developing learners’ mathematical creativity. MIs will be presented in this paper in connection to MSTs. Particular emphasis is placed on analyzing the relationships between production of multiple solutions, mathematical investigations, and varying levels of mathematical challenge.
| citations This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | 45 | |
| popularity This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network. | Top 10% | |
| influence This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | Top 10% | |
| impulse This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network. | Top 10% |
