This article examines what constitutes a 'good' mathematical problem and proposes to conceptualize the notion of "collective mathematical problems" as phenomena that arise through and by way of the inter-actions enabled by the collective itself. The author examines how these collective mathematical problems can emerge in the classroom…

This essay extends beyond the characteristics and discourse of word problems to, more generally, school mathematical problem-solving and the implications entailed by a predominant paper-and-pencil mode of learning and instruction since the modern era of education. Contrasting what I call "one-handed" (with paper-and-pencil) with…

This essay aims to advance the debate on the conceptualization of interdisciplinarity in mathematics education by presenting the idea of the border as a dynamic semiotic cross-cultural space. We refer to three theories, that originate in different research fields and use specific languages: De Luca Picione and Valsiner's idea of the border as a…

How can a student experience what happens in the mind of a mathematician while solving a problem? In this paper we discuss a theoretical design of an educational script, based on digital interactive storytelling. Parallel to Docter's 'Inside Out', the cognitive functions occurring in problem solving become characters of a story-problem. Students…

Research in mathematics education suggests that learning to solve a problem should involve modelling and visual representation (e.g., Lesh & Zawojewski, 2007). According to researchers, transforming a mental representation of a situation into a visual representation of mathematical relationships between quantities enhances students'…

Many universities throughout the world apply student-centered approaches. Common to these is that projects, problems, challenges etc. stem from "real life". Mathematics is an effective tool to solve problems, but in this paper, we discuss how we reconcile the fact that mathematics is both a pure and an applied discipline with…

We consider designs for conceptual learning where students first engage in pre-symbolic problem solving and then articulate their solutions formally. An enduring problem in these designs has been to support students in accessing their pre-conceptual situated process, so that they can reflect on it and couch it in mathematical form. Contemplative…

Originating from interviews with mathematics colleagues, written accounts of mathematicians engaging with mathematics, and Wes's reflections on his own mathematical work, we describe a process that we call mathematical foresight: the imagining of a resolution to a mathematical situation and a path to that resolution. In a sense, mathematical…

Identifying mathematical and didactical conditions under which mathematics learners can encounter an intellectual need for defining and proving is recognized as a challenging research enterprise. This paper presents a particular configuration of conditions under which a group of pre-service mathematics teachers successfully constructed a…

In this article, the author comments on the article "Solid geometry in the works of an iron artisan,'" Castro, 23(3). The author finds it interesting to read about the implicit mathematical knowledge of ironworkers, weavers, tailors and other practitioners as they undertake their various crafts and professions. In the article, Fernando…

An attempt is made to link the domain of mathematics and the natures and abilities of mathematicians to that which is perceptual, presentational, and implicit. (MP)

Makes the analogy between Wilfred Bion's theory of mental processes involving preconception and mathematical problem solving. (MDH)

How the author moved from concern about research to development of prescriptive models of heuristic problem solving and the exploration of metacognition and belief systems is discussed. Student beliefs about problem solving, and their corollaries, are included. (MNS)

Failure of most children to solve word problems beyond the simplest is seen to stem from two causes: failure to understand applied arithmetic and failure to relate problems to the real world. Relevant research is reviewed, and a route for new research is proposed. (MP)

Discusses diagrams and problem solvers' constructions of a problem situation, how the way of drawing changes during the problem-solving process, and the meaning and sense of diagrams. (Contains 15 references.) (MKR)