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Studying mathematics problem-solving classrooms. A comparison between the discourse of in-service teachers and student teachers

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Abstract

In the article we compare the approaches of 3 in-service teachers and 3 student teachers when they tried to solve a verbal arithmetic problem in the classroom. Each interaction was studied using a System of Analysis that takes into account the cognitive processes involved in the solution of a mathematic problem and describes the interaction at different levels showing what is done and to what degree teachers and/or pupils are responsible for what is done. The results of the study suggest that both groups of teachers are different in how they direct the student’s attention toward the essential aspects implied in the resolution of word problem. On the one hand, the in-service teachers guaranteed students’ understanding of the problem before dealing with the solution, while students teachers only did so when pupils committed errors. On the other hand, the in-service teachers allowed a high level of student participation, while student teachers took a more prominent role so children’s participation was lower.

Résumé

L’interaction de 3 professeurs expérimentés et de 3 professeurs débutants lors de la résolution d’un problème arithmétique verbal avec leurs étudiants dans la classe est analysée dans cet article. Chaque interaction a été étudiée au moyen d’un système d’analyse qui tient compte des processus cognitifs impliqués dans la résolution de problèmes mathématiques et qui décrit l’interaction à différents niveaux, démontrant ce qui est fait et la mesure dans laquelle les professeurs et les étudiants sont responsables de ce qui est fait. Les résultats de l’étude suggèrent que les deux groupes de professeurs sont différents quant à la manière dont ils attirent l’attention des élèves sur les aspects essentiels impliqués dans la résolution du problème. Tout d’abord, tandis que les professeurs expérimentés se sont assurés de la compréhension du problème par les étudiants avant de chercher la solution, les professeurs débutants ne l’ont fait que lorsque des erreurs ont été commis par les étudiants. En deuxième lieu, tandis que les professeurs expérimentés ont admis un plus fort degré de participation des étudiants, les professeurs débutants ont adopté un rôle plus prédominant permettant un moindre niveau de participation des élèves.

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Correspondence to Javier Rosales.

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Rosales, J., Orrantia, J., Vicente, S. et al. Studying mathematics problem-solving classrooms. A comparison between the discourse of in-service teachers and student teachers. Eur J Psychol Educ 23, 275–294 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03173000

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03173000

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