Notes

Challenging Mathematical Tasks supports the idea that students learn best when they work on problems that they don't yet know how to solve.

Peter Sullivan's research shows that many students do not fear challenges in mathematics, but welcome them. And rather than having teachers instruct them, these sturdents prefer to work out solutions for themselves.

Students require concentration and effort over an extended period of time to build connections between mathematical concepts, to understand the coherence of mathematical ideas and to be able to transfer learning to practical contexts and new topics.

Activities are included to promote sustained thinking, decision-making and risk-taking, encouraging students to persist and succeed in their learning.