Role of teachers
Kennard (1998) affirms that the nature of the teacher's role is critical in terms of facilitating pupils’ exploration of challenging material. The identification of high-ability pupils becomes inextricably linked with both the provision of challenging material and forms of teacher-student interaction.
As a guide, teachers should give students the opportunity to think; support their willingness and desire to extend their learning; give hints without giving the solutions to problems and challenge them in informal situations. In working on problems with students, the teacher is no longer an instructor of methods of problem solving but becomes more as a moderator of discussions and a listener of students’ ideas.
As a guide, teachers should give students the opportunity to think; support their willingness and desire to extend their learning; give hints without giving the solutions to problems and challenge them in informal situations. In working on problems with students, the teacher is no longer an instructor of methods of problem solving but becomes more as a moderator of discussions and a listener of students’ ideas.
Role of students
In working on investigative problems, students have to adapt to a different learning environment.
They will have to demonstrate different approaches to the problem; overcome obstacles, construct various meanings and discover new relationships; work on mathematical problems based on structures and systems using properties and definitions; combine logic and creativity in problem solving; and use reflective thinking.
They will have to demonstrate different approaches to the problem; overcome obstacles, construct various meanings and discover new relationships; work on mathematical problems based on structures and systems using properties and definitions; combine logic and creativity in problem solving; and use reflective thinking.
Role of parents
Olszewski-Kubilius (2000) states that parents should not try to protect their children from risks, tension and diligence; and that they should also not cushion the impact of stress when their children try to meet high expectations or face challenges. Parents should inculcate the values of resilience and perseverance so that their children would be risk takers who can cope with setbacks and failures and engage in their intellectual pursuits to develop their talents.
