Does collaborative and experiential work influence the solution of real-context estimation problems? A study with prospective teachers

• Published in: The Journal of mathematical behavior Vol. 70; p. 101040
• Main Authors: Segura, C., Ferrando, I., Albarracín, L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Inc 01.06.2023
• Subjects: Estimation; Fermi problems; In-situ mathematical activities; Mathematical modeling; Prospective primary school teachers; Real context; Prospective primary school teachers; Mathematical modeling; Real context; Estimation; Fermi problems; In-situ mathematical activities
• ISSN: 0732-3123; 1873-8028
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jmathb.2023.101040

Although it is a challenge for primary school teachers, real-context estimation problems can be used as an introduction to mathematical modeling. With this aim, we designed a two-phase activity: in the first phase, 224 prospective teachers developed individual action plans to solve a sequence of real-context estimation problems in the classroom; in the second phase, they completed the solution of the same problems working in groups in the real location where the four problems were contextualized. A comparative study showed that, in the second phase, prospective teachers were able to adapt their solutions to contextual features detected in situ that had not been anticipated in the action plans developed during the first phase. Two-phase modeling activities, which permit a comparison of different perspectives on problems, facilitate the experience of collaborative work. These activities could be incorporated into prospective teachers’ initial training as a useful resource for improving their problem-solving expertise. •This study allows us to establish a teaching methodology proposal for teacher training on the teaching of mathematical modeling based on promoting adaptive expertise by confronting them with a sequence of Fermi problems.•Prospective teachers are confronted with the problems in a specific way: it is necessary that the problems to be tackled can be solved using a variety of strategies and that these can be refined to high levels of accuracy in the results.•It is important that each participant faces the problems individually to generate a plan of action, this activity allows each one to contribute an initial version of the resolution strategy to be constructed and to later compare it with those of the other participants.