The purpose of this study is to contribute to an understanding of how errors could be employed in mathematics instruction so that the students use them constructively in support of their learning of mathematics. A teaching experiment was designed to create an ideal context in which the pedagogical approach to errors as springboards could be…

Reports a case study exploring how 2 16-year olds were enabled to capitalize on the potential of errors to stimulate and support mathematical inquiry. Discusses variations within the strategy of using errors to enhance mathematics instruction. Appendix includes list of instructional episodes and error activities. (Contains 56 references.) (MKR)

Suggests that student errors in mathematics be used as motivational devices and starting points for mathematical explorations, involving problem solving and problem posing activities. It is further suggested that errors can foster a deeper and more complete understanding of mathematical content and nature of mathematics itself. (PK)