This research contributes to the need to identify and expand learning environments that encourage undergraduate students to develop collaborative work skills and apply their classroom knowledge to solve real-world problems. Using qualitative methods, we examine the effects of the interaction between two teams of students when solving a…

In this paper we present the results of an investigation related to the developing of mathematical knowledge and skills by first semester university students when solving a Model Eliciting Activity [MEA] which involves quadratic function knowledge. This was a qualitative research. The theoretical framework was Models and Modeling Perspective…

This study examined how two small-group discourse types (Reflective and Exploratory) supported the inclusion and enacted levels of cognitive demand of students who typically struggle with mathematics in real-world, task-based assessment activities. The study focused on 11 fifth-grade students within a larger study involving 97 fifth-grade students…

This paper presents the design and analysis of a Model-Eliciting Activity (MEA), which aims to support the refinement of the conceptual system associated with directly proportional distribution problems (example: linear function, percentage, proportion, variation, etc.). The situation explores a context that is close to the student, encouraging…

In this study, the elements of the design and results of the implementation of a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) based on the problem solving and the use of digital technology are analyzed and discussed. The results show that the design of the activities, the intervention of the MOOC design team in the discussion forums and the interaction among…

In this article, we report how a geometric task based on the ACODESA methodology (collaborative learning, scientific debate and self-reflection) promotes the reformulation of the students' validations and allows revealing the students' aims in each of the stages of the methodology. To do so, we present the case of a team and, particularly, one of…

This paper uses multimodal discourse analysis to show that discursive form, in addition to words, gestures and sound dimensions of speech, is an important linguistic resource for expressing mathematical meaning. During a collaborative task, a student spoke an insight about an algebraic property five times over a few minutes, in slightly different…

This study examined how mathematical modeling activities within a collaborative group impact on students' perceived 'value' of mathematics. With a unified framework of Makiguchi's theory of 'value', mathematical disposition, and identity, the study identified the elements of the value--beauty, gains, and social good--with the observable evidences…

This naturalistic case study investigates the problem posing patterns that emerge as four small groups of 12 year old students in Western Canada work collectively on a structured mathematics task. A method of data analysis is introduced that blurs the data to create transcript "tapestries" providing visual evidence of collective patterns…

In this article we examine intuitions as they emerge in groupwork activities. We provide a framework and a methodology to code various aspects of the activity, social and mathematical. Focusing mostly on students' gazes, we explore how affective moves give rise to, and determine, students' interactions and thoughts. We argue that intuition does…

This paper explores the potential of mobile devices to support novel forms of mathematics classroom activity. In particular, I consider two salient aspects of contemporary practice with mobiles--networking/communication, and picture taking--and explore technology designs that might exploit their potential for supporting related forms of…

This research report examines how two groups of bilingual algebra students made connections among representations while solving a non-routine generalization problem. Using a socio-cultural orientation to mathematics learning, together with a semiotic lens on students' joint mathematical activity, this report details the type of connections among…