Portrait of a Second-Grade Problem Poser

Abstract

Although some students might struggle with problem posing, the positive effects on student learning and abilities may be far reaching for those who engage in this activity. Problem posing requires students to create their own problems rather than to solve problems posed by others. Problem posing is not regularly taught; however, reform proponent groups recognize problem posing as a strategy that should be integrated more routinely into mathematics classrooms. A single case study was conducted in conjunction with a larger quasi-experimental study in which mathematics education researchers worked with groups of 2nd-5th grade students twice a week over the course of a semester. For the single case study, two of the researchers randomly selected one second-grade student and examined the student’s progress as she engaged in problem-posing activities during the semester. Based on the student’s work, some possible elements of the lesson that impacted her engagement and performance were identified. Results from this case study indicate that problem posing for this student was an effective tool with which to evaluate misconceptions and to explore her informal mathematics understanding.

Keywords

• case study
• early childhood
• mathematics
• problem posing