• Libraries
    • Log in to:
    View Item 
    •   MSpace Home
    • Faculty of Graduate Studies (Electronic Theses and Practica)
    • FGS - Electronic Theses and Practica
    • View Item
    •   MSpace Home
    • Faculty of Graduate Studies (Electronic Theses and Practica)
    • FGS - Electronic Theses and Practica
    • View Item
    JavaScript is disabled for your browser. Some features of this site may not work without it.

    Shifting attentions in mathematics: developing problem solving abilities through problem-solving groups

    Thumbnail
    View/Open
    Blaine_McIntosh.pdf (1.804Mb)
    Date
    2011-08-12
    Author
    McIntosh, Blaine
    Metadata
    Show full item record
    Abstract
    The purpose of this study was to improve problem solving attitudes and abilities in students of mathematics through the exploration of John Mason’s general problem solving strategy and the use of problem solving groups, and to document and understand this improvement process. The types of problems and tasks assigned to students as well as assessment practices were also examined. A Design-Experiment Research approach was used with thirty grade 9 students participating throughout the year-long study. A teacher-researcher journal, student problem-solving journals, and surveys were used. The study showed that using a general problem solving strategy with groups of students working together to solve problems can improve problem solving attitudes and abilities. Students made significant improvements during initial engagement of problems, in specializing and generalizing, and in communication. Almost all students expressed a more positive attitude toward problem solving and their problem solving abilities. The study demonstrates how focusing on initial stages of the problem solving process like the understanding of the problem in a group context can reach multiple learning objectives and positively impact later stages of problem solving. In addition, recommendations for classroom teachers are provided concerning the roles within the groups, the nature of beneficial problem types and student tasks, and concerning the role of the teacher as researcher of his or her own teaching practice.
    URI
    http://hdl.handle.net/1993/4756
    Collections
    • FGS - Electronic Theses and Practica [25494]

    DSpace software copyright © 2002-2016  DuraSpace
    Contact Us | Send Feedback
    Theme by 
    Atmire NV
     

     

    Browse

    All of MSpaceCommunities & CollectionsBy Issue DateAuthorsTitlesSubjectsThis CollectionBy Issue DateAuthorsTitlesSubjects

    My Account

    Login

    Statistics

    View Usage Statistics

    DSpace software copyright © 2002-2016  DuraSpace
    Contact Us | Send Feedback
    Theme by 
    Atmire NV