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© 1996: The University of Newcastle: Faculty of Education


The Restaurant Problem

The now-familiar "restaurant problem" provides a suitable first example of the way in which a graduated help facility might be developed. While such a facility would be most appropriate within a computer-based learning environment, it is by no means restricted to this. Suitable support may be offered in a written format, or on cards, available to students when needed.

The problem is reproduced here from Clements and Ellerton (1991, p. 3).

Three women went into a restaurant and ordered a meal which, according to the menu, cost $10 per person. After finishing their meal, each person handed the waiter $10. The waiter then took the $30 (= $10 + $10 + $10) to the restaurant manager, who said to the waiter, `Those three are good customers - here, take $5 and give it back to them as a discount'. The waiter, on receiving the $5 note, thought to himself: `Hmm, it's a bit hard to share a $5 note between three people. What I'll do is I'll give them a $1 coin each, and tell them that the manager said that each of them was being given a discount of $1 because they were valued customers. Then I'll keep the remaining $2 for myself.'

The waiter did just what he said he would do. Hence, each customer paid $9 (= $10 - $1) for her meal. Now, 3 x $9 = $27, and the waiter kept $2 for himself, so $27 + $2 = $29. Where has the other dollar gone?

Graduated help may be developed for this problem as follows:

This is a problem situation which does not require a high level of mathematical knowledge or skill, but rather it requires clear thinking and a systematic approach. As such, the graduated help needs to lead the learner towards this systematic approach slowly, so that the student is encouraged to think carefully and to re-examine the problem situation. Many students will need only the first level or two of help, and then be able to produce an adequate solution themselves. In this way, they are encouraged to develop independence rather than reliance upon the support structure. For those who need greater assistance, however, this is available as required.

Graduated help. Sample Problem 1.


Last updated: 1st May, 1996
Stephen Arnold
crsma@cc.newcastle.edu.au
© 1996 The University of Newcastle


Challenge and Support Index

Courses | Software | Readings | Links | Comments?

© 1996: The University of Newcastle: Faculty of Education