Problem solving in Technical and Vocational Education: a student's view

Abstract

Problem solving is a very effective mathematics teaching methodology, since it fosters a mobilization of knowledge in the sense of seeking the solution. This study aims to analyze, according to the vision of the students involved in the study, which skills can be developed in a class based on the teaching-learning methodology of mathematics through problem solving, as well as contributions and limitations of this methodology in the context of the future training area, of the Technical and Professional Education of those involved. Therefore, the theoretical framework that discusses the conceptions of problem solving adopted in this research is presented, with a mixed approach, using observation and survey as methods. In the sequence, expressing the vision of these students about solving problems in mathematics classes, the story and the analysis of the data are presented. The results indicate that students identify the development of collaboration, adaptability, communication, creativity and persuasion skills as possible to be developed in classes oriented by the methodology, which is conducive to the orientations of the Technical and Professional Education guidelines. In addition, they also indicate as a contribution that the students were actively involved in solving problems, understanding and doing Mathematics while looking for solutions, which at the same time is indicated as an obstacle to be overcome in relation to what they are used to in class traditional.