“Dr. Vicich has focused his career on improving the problem-solving skills of his students. His research, experience, and classroom tested tools have impacted hundreds of teachers and thousands of students over the years. Take advantage of this resource as it works to connect the world of mathematics education research with the reality of working with students in the classroom. Dr. Vicich takes a pragmatic approach that students can latch onto as they underline the given and the goal, engage in learned behaviors for effective problem solving, and learn to justify and verify their results. Learn what it means to put “the plus on your A” as a teacher and a student!”
Scott Adamson, PhD, Professor of Mathematics, Published Author
“Learning from Dr. Vicich has completely transformed the way I deliver mathematics instruction. My classroom is now student-led and focused on rich problem-solving tasks combined with high levels of mathematical discourse. This has led to an engaging environment allowing for significant growth, success, and confidence for my learners.”
Sarah Elarde, Highly Acclaimed Middle School Teacher
“Having had the privilege of learning under Dr. Vicich, I can attest to the transformative power of his approach to teaching math through problem-solving. This book is a collection of rich tasks for educators and parents alike, offering opportunities for cultivating grit, perseverance, and an integrated understanding of mathematics. As a teacher, through Dr. V’s workshops, I’ve witnessed firsthand how students not only grasp mathematical concepts more deeply but also develop crucial skills for navigating challenges with confidence. “
Jamie Stack, Highly Acclaimed Gifted Middle School Teacher
“As someone who had the fortune to be in Dr. James Vicich’s classroom, I can attest to the impact of the techniques outlined in this book. This book provides a toolkit for continuous learning and problem-solving that I was able to use throughout my undergraduate studies to medical school and beyond. The systematic problem-solving approach introduced by Dr. Vicich in this book is targeted for learning mathematics, but the reader will find that the techniques outlined can become a versatile tool to master any other coursework efficiently. The techniques provide a structured method to solve problems that allow identification of key areas needing correction. Moreover, the “camera-ready” technique outlined in the book forced me to articulate my thought process in a clear fashion to develop my public speaking skills, and also ensured the logic I used to problem solve was easily understood by my peers. Outside of mathematics, I’ve consistently used the camera-ready technique in study groups, but also as an essential way to deliver pertinent information about patient care in a clear fashion to members of my medical team. It is a technique I expect from and continue to use with the medical residents I teach today. In short, Dr. James Vicich’s book offers readers a roadmap for success and personal growth in not just mathematics, but as a versatile tool that can be applied to any disciplines and future career. “
Joseph Juliano, MD, Retinal Eye Surgeon, Former Student
“The teachings in this book have had a profound impact on my educational journey. I had the fortune of being in James Vicich’s classroom at the start of my collegiate education, where his emphasis on problem solving and effective communication left an indelible mark on my approach to learning. Inspired by these unique teaching strategies, I embarked on a comprehensive study of strategies in mathematics education across seven high-performing countries. The findings from this study supported the techniques contained in this book which focus on exploration and systematic problem solving. I’ve found that these strategies not only propelled my own students to exceptional levels of mathematical proficiency during my tenure as a secondary mathematics educator, but also provided me with invaluable skills to navigate complex challenges in my subsequent role as a researcher, particularly during my PhD studies in computational neuroscience. Throughout my graduate studies, it was imperative [that] I could explain specialized work in front of others in a way that is comprehensible. This book lays the foundation for not just high performance in mathematics, but also cultivates skills that are applicable in any aspect of one’s career as it was for mine.”
Julia Juliano, PhD, Computational Neuroscience, Former Student
Dr. James A. Vicich 