How important is to solve problems and to give problems to be solved?

Abstract

Doing mathematics implies three levels of manipulation: manipulating the abstract, manipulating symbols and manipulating logic. Teaching mathematics therefore involves the teacher proposing situations in which pupils can explore a small part of mathematics through these manipulations. In doing so, the pupils work on both the heuristics enabling them to confront themselves with a real mathematical research and knowledge in construction. Through examples of didactic situations of problem solving, this article aims to show how problems can be drivers of mathematics learning.