Mathematical modeling tasks can engage students in ways in which they see themselves as mathematicians capable of using mathematics to solve real-world and complex problems. As mathematics teacher educators and researchers, the authors collaborated with two 5th-grade teachers, Liz and Anna (pseudonyms), focusing on equitable practices that foster…

The present study aimed to explore the mediating role of subjective academic well-being in the relationship between the three dimensions of mathematical resilience (value, struggle, and growth) and mathematical modeling competency among fifth grade students, as well as the moderating effect of gender on this relationship. The participants in this…

Mathematical modeling plays an important role in improving students' interests and attitudes in reasoning, communicating and solving problems. In order to understand modeling in the popular mathematics textbooks for primary schools in China, this study developed a modeling framework for K-12 mathematics textbooks, and used content analysis method…

This study examined whether learning with heuristic worked examples can improve students' competency in solving reality-based tasks in mathematics (mathematical modeling competency). We randomly assigned 134 students in Grade 5 and 180 students in Grade 7 to one of three conditions: control condition (students worked on reality-based tasks),…

Mathematical modeling is a high-leverage topic; it is critical to students' participation in STEM education and supports civic engagement. Until recently, research on modeling at the elementary level has been underemphasized, particularly research on supports and challenges for teachers who engage in designing authentic modeling tasks. In this…

While research suggests that mathematical modeling is accessible to elementary grade students, questions remain about how to assess modeling competency. Our research addresses this need through the systemic design and empirical testing of a Mathematical Modeling Student Assessment (MMSA) for elementary grades 3 through 5. Research questions focus…

We focus on how democratic practices occur during the modeling activity "The Candy Bag of Dreams." With democratic practices, we refer to approaches supporting inclusivity and active participation aimed at empowering students. We investigated one group of preservice teachers implementing an optimizing modeling activity during practicum…

This article reports on how a pedagogical entrepreneurship approach combined with fundamental elements of mathematical modelling may be used to strengthen students' development of mathematical literacy in upper primary school. This is done first through a review of the relationship between pedagogical entrepreneurship in mathematics, mathematical…

People use models every day without even realizing it. Models create a structure for predictions (inferences) that can be used or adapted as situations change. A model is a relational system that highlights aspects of a phenomenon that the modeler deems important and diminishes the rest. Statistical models capture variability of data, enabling…

We explored the mediating role of prior knowledge on the relation between intelligence and learning proportional reasoning. What students gain from formal instruction may depend on their intelligence, as well as on prior encounters with proportional concepts. We investigated whether a basic curriculum unit on the concept of density promoted…

We analyzed 5th grade students' interactions with one computer-based modeling simulation to examine how they defined and prioritized variables in a dynamically simulated environment. Results revealed that exposure to the simulation environment helped students visualize continuous motions, interpret the different quantities present in the model,…

The purpose of this study was to explore students' mathematical practices while working on modeling problems using 3 interactive computer simulations. Three fifth grade students' interactions with computer-based modeling simulation were examined to identify how children defined and prioritized and coordinated variables and parameters in…

This paper reports on a design-based study within the context of a 3-day "digital making" (DM) summer camp attended by a group of students (aged 11-13) in grades 5 and 6. During the camp, students were presented with a set of mathematical problems to solve in a block-based programming environment, which was connected to various physical…

One hundred four students aged 8 to 16 worked on one Fermi problem involving estimating the number of people that can fit in their school playground. We present a qualitative analysis of the different mathematical models developed by the students. The analysis of the students' written productions is based on the identification of the model of…

Modeling requires that people develop representations or procedures to address particular problem situations (Lesh et al. 2000). Mathematical modeling is used to describe essential characteristics of a phenomenon or a situation that one intends to study in the real world through building mathematical objects. This article describes how fifth-grade…