Student Problem-Solving Strategies in Inventing With Contrasting Cases

• In Event: 72.065 - Roundtable Session 30
  In Roundtable Session: 72.065-6 - The Interaction of Problem Solving and Learning Environments

Abstract

This paper considers the strategies used by students who successfully engage in problem solving when asked to invent solutions to problems. We also examine the patterns of students’ strategies over time. We found that successful students spent more time determining what information was relevant to solving the problems and giving answers as they talked through their solutions. Over the four invent activities, students gradually spent less time experimenting or asking for help and more time giving answers aloud. This work contributes to the discussion around the importance of problem solving in designing instruction to support students’ deep understandings of concepts in mathematics.

Authors

• Amanda Marie Bell, Vanderbilt University - Peabody College

• Melissa Sommefeld Gresalfi, Vanderbilt University