The Interconnectedness of the Mathematical Processes

Problem Solving

requires one to select a tool or computational strategy in order to solve the problem

encourages reasoning/proving a solution

requires communication to articulate their thinking

calls for reflection of their own thinking and/or the thinking of others to refine their thinking

will lead to connecting mathematical ideas and deepen conceptual understanding

calls for a form of representing their solution

Connecting

goes hand and hand with reflection

occurs through problem solving

Representing

in various forms helps students to understand the connections among related representations and mathematical concepts

is a form of communicating one's thinking/solution

is part of problem solving

is a way of proving one's solution

Reasoning and Proving

calls for communication to help justify thinking

is done using a selected tool or computational strategy

requires a form of representing and communicating one's work/solution

Reflecting

will lead to more efficient ways of selecting tools and computational strategies

helps students make connections and internalize a deeper understanding

is a characteristic of a good problem-solver

Communicating

can be seen through representing

is required for reasoning / proving or justifying one's answer

is a part of each step in the problem-solving model

Selecting Tools and Computational Strategies

enables problem solving

calls for making connections to similar problems solved in the past and reflection in order to choose what is most efficient

will affect how the solution is represented

is used to prove one's solution