ERIC Number: EJ1436993
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 34
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0020-739X
EISSN: EISSN-1464-5211
Available Date: N/A
Posing Mathematics Problems about STEM Careers: Problem Quality, Scaffolds, and Problem Solving
Candace Walkington; Matthew Bernacki; Min Wang; Brooke Istas; Meghan Greene
International Journal of Mathematical Education in Science and Technology, v55 n9 p2136-2169 2024
Mathematical problem posing, or authoring mathematical tasks, can allow students to integrate their interests and experiences into the classroom. Little research has explored different designs for scaffolding or facets of posed problem quality, particularly when problem posing is based on students' interests. We created an environment that enabled 39 community college students to author algebra problems related to their career interests, and explore four problem-posing scaffolds - video, vignette, example problem, and template. We use a design-based research approach to examine affordances of career problem-posing. Engaging in problem-posing was associated with increased interest in learning mathematics. Use and time spent with scaffolds and time-on-task were related to quality of posed problems, and problem quality features were related to students' ability to solve problems they posed. Text analyses revealed scaffold use was associated with the language students used in the problems they posed. Implications for problem posing in mathematics classrooms are discussed.
Descriptors: Mathematics Skills, Problem Solving, STEM Education, STEM Careers, Scaffolding (Teaching Technique), Community College Students, Algebra, Vocational Interests, Learner Engagement, Language Usage, College Mathematics
Taylor & Francis. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education; Two Year Colleges
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: National Science Foundation (NSF), Division of Research on Learning in Formal and Informal Settings (DRL)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: 1759195; 1851680
Author Affiliations: N/A