Concepções de professores e alunos sobre Resolução de Problemas Abertos como Estratégia de Ensino e Aprendizagem da Matemática na Educação de Jovens e Adultos: um estudo de caso de uma escola em Ceilândia DF

Abstract

This is a study of the teaching of mathematics in adult and youth education, from the perspective of methods of instruction in problem solving. The question is examined of how the resolution of open-ended problems can contribute to effective mathematics learning, providing essential inputs for active comprehension and intervention in real problems, from the perspective of teachers of adult and youth education. As a conceptual basis for analysis, the categories of problem solving, math problems and effective learning were selected, looking for dialogue and interdependence among them. The material for research analysis was gathered through semi-structured interviews with teachers and a questionnaire administered to students from a fifth grade youth and adult education class in Brazil. It was found, through the teachers testimony, that teaching practices in mathematics education, particularly with regard to the object of this study (the teaching of problem solving), do not meet students needs or take into account their knowledge and abilities. Many teachers have high expectations for their students and want them to not only understand the subject matter, but also develop higher order thinking abilities such as analysis, reasoning and problem solving. Nevertheless, day to day classroom teaching induces the students to a process of learning only superficial ideas and low level scholastic abilities (learning through repetition). The conclusion, based on the research results, is that a methodology of resolution of open-ended problems is intrinsic to the teaching-learning process. In this context, mathematics education via problem solving is not an end in itself, but rather a way to acquire new knowledge in other knowledge areas, as well as in real life contexts. Finally, the study shows that the methodology of resolution of open-ended problems is a teaching strategy that can help students in their learning process.