How can procedural flowcharts support the development of mathematics problem-solving skills?

• Published in: Mathematics education research journal Vol. 37; no. 1; pp. 85 - 123
• Main Authors: Chinofunga, Musarurwa David, Chigeza, Philemon, Taylor, Subhashni
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dordrecht Springer Netherlands 01.03.2025; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Calculus; Case studies; Cognitive Processes; Content analysis; Education; Educational Environment; Educational Facilities Improvement; Educational Practices; Educational Research; Flow Charts; Flowcharts; Heuristics; Intelligent Tutoring Systems; Knowledge; Learner Engagement; Learning; Mathematics Education; Mathematics Skills; Mathematics Teachers; Original Article; Prior Learning; Problem solving; Sequences; Skills; Student Development; Student Participation; Students; Teachers; Teaching; Visual Aids; World Problems; Problem solving; Solution planning; Visual representation; Problem-solving stages; Procedural flowcharts
• ISSN: 1033-2170; 2211-050X
• DOI: 10.1007/s13394-024-00483-3

Supporting students’ problem-solving skills, solution planning and sequencing of different stages that are involved in successfully developing a meaningful solution to a problem has been a challenge for teachers. This case study was informed by reflective investigation methodology which explored how procedural flowcharts can support student mathematics problem solving in a senior Mathematical Methods subject in Queensland. The paper used thematic analysis to analyse and report on teachers’ perceptions of the utility of procedural flowcharts during problem solving as well as content analysis on how student-developed flowcharts can support their problem-solving skills. Results show that development of procedural flowcharts can support problem solving as it helps with integration of problem-solving stages.