Teaching problem-solving strategies in mathematics

Abstract

This study uses the methodology of design-based research in search of ways to teach problem-solving strategies in mathematics in an upper secondary school. Educational activities are designed and tested in a class for four weeks. The design of the activities is governed by three design principles, which are based on variation theory. This study aims to contribute to an understanding of how the teaching of problem-solving strategies and strategy thinking in mathematics can be organized in a regular classroom setting and how this affects students´ learning in mathematics. We start by discussing the nature of the concept strategy in relation to the concepts of method and algorithm. Using pre- and post-tests, we compare the development of the students´ conceptual and procedural abilities with a control group. In addition, we use the post-test to investigate the students´ use of problem-solving strategies. The results suggest that these designed activities improve students’ ability to use problem-solving strategies. Moreover, significant differences were found in conceptual and procedural abilities in mathematics, the experimental group improving more than the control groups.