Student Perceptions of Engagement and Problem-posing during an Inquiry-Based Learning Mathematical Investigation
File version
Author(s)
Primary Supervisor
Grootenboer, Peter J
Other Supervisors
Larkin, Kevin M
Editor(s)
Date
Size
File type(s)
Location
License
Abstract
As countries around the world seek to increase student achievement and engagement in mathematics, inquiry-based learning (IBL) has become increasingly popular (Artigue & Blomhøj, 2013). The purpose of this research was to explore how a group of year five students perceived engagement and problem-posing during an IBL mathematical problemposing investigation, and to explore the instructional strategies that supported the students in problem-posing. This qualitative, single instrumental case-study involved 17 students (9- to 10-year-olds) and one teacher from an independent school in South-East Queensland, Australia. The researcher led a two-week, open, mathematical investigation, which required students to develop their own investigation questions based on a video prompt. Data were collected through video observations, student work samples, and semi-structured interviews with the students. Thematic analysis and triangulation of the data revealed three themes related to engagement: collaborative learning, enjoyment and interest, and cognitive engagement and transfer of learning, and one theme related to problem-posing; confidence. The findings suggest that the IBL mathematical problem-posing investigation was behaviourally, emotionally, and cognitively engaging for the students because it created a learning environment for the students to collaboratively work with their peers, make autonomous choices about their learning, build peer relationships, and challenge themselves. Additionally, the novelty of the experience played a role in student engagement during the IBL investigation. The findings also suggest that although the students felt confident to problem-pose, they required teacher support and scaffolding to make connections between the video and mathematics, and to mathematise their ideas. Implementing the IBL mathematical problem-posing investigation was beneficial for student engagement in mathematics; however, further research is required to examine the intricates of this type of investigation, and its impact on learning.
Journal Title
Conference Title
Book Title
Edition
Volume
Issue
Thesis Type
Thesis (Masters)
Degree Program
Master of Education and Professional Studies Research (MEdProfStRes)
School
School Educ & Professional St
Publisher link
Patent number
Funder(s)
Grant identifier(s)
Rights Statement
Rights Statement
The author owns the copyright in this thesis, unless stated otherwise.
Item Access Status
Note
Access the data
Related item(s)
Subject
Mathematics
Engagement
Inquiry-based learning
Problem-posing
Behavioural engagement
Emotional engagement
Cognitive engagement
Instructional strategies