Problem solving activities in a constructivist framework: exploring how students approach difficult problems

Paper

Yevdokimov, Oleksiy and Passmore, Tim. 2008. "Problem solving activities in a constructivist framework: exploring how students approach difficult problems." Goos, Merrilyn, Brown, Ray and Makar, Katie (ed.) 31st Annual Conference of the Mathematics Education Research Group of Australasia (MERGA 31). Brisbane, Australia 28 Jun - 01 Jul 2008 Adelaide, Australia.
Paper/Presentation Title

Problem solving activities in a constructivist framework: exploring how students approach difficult problems

Presentation TypePaper
AuthorsYevdokimov, Oleksiy (Author) and Passmore, Tim (Author)
EditorsGoos, Merrilyn, Brown, Ray and Makar, Katie
Journal or Proceedings TitleProceedings of the 31st Annual Conference of the Mathematics Education Research Group of Australasia (MERGA31)
ERA Conference ID50230
Journal Citation2, pp. 629-636
Number of Pages8
Year2008
Place of PublicationAdelaide, Australia
ISBN9781920846176
9781920846183
Web Address (URL) of Paperhttp://www.merga.net.au/documents/RP762008.pdf
Conference/Event31st Annual Conference of the Mathematics Education Research Group of Australasia (MERGA 31)
Annual conference of the Mathematics Education Research Group of Australasia
Event Details
31st Annual Conference of the Mathematics Education Research Group of Australasia (MERGA 31)
Parent
Annual conference of the Mathematics Education Research Group of Australasia
Delivery
In person
Event Date
28 Jun 2008 to end of 01 Jul 2008
Event Location
Brisbane, Australia
Event Details
Annual conference of the Mathematics Education Research Group of Australasia
MERGA
Mathematics Education Research Group of Australasia Conference (MERGA)
Abstract

The paper describes results of a teaching experiment with five high school (Year 10 and 11) students. Four
qualitative characteristics were established: the first step of solution, main information extracted from
the problem, generalisation from a problem and completion of solution. From these characteristics the corresponding quantitative indices were introduced and analysed. The structure of two of them, specific SFS and common SHP,are given in detail. Investigation of quantitative indices and their qualitative characteristics gives an opportunity to find out more about interrelations between different stages of the problem-solving process.

Keywordshigh school students; problem solving; decision making; cognitive processes; mathematical concepts
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020390109. Mathematics and numeracy curriculum and pedagogy
390409. Learning sciences
390306. Secondary education
Public Notes

© 2008 Mathematics Education Research Group of Australasia. This publication is copyright. It may be reproduced in whole or in part for the purposes of study, research, or review, but is subject to the inclusion of an acknowledgment of the source. Published version deposited with blanket permission of the MERGA President.

Byline AffiliationsDepartment of Mathematics and Computing
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