PROBLEM SOLVING IN VIRTUAL LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS: POSSIBILITIES IN DISTANCE EDUCATION

Abstract

The objective of this work was the application of a methodology for mathematical Problem Solving in virtual learning environments in order to investigate the contributions that this methodology could bring for Mathematics undergraduate students. In this study, a literature review was performed by using books, papers, dissertations and thesis about interactions in virtual environments. The survey was conducted in 2010 with distance education Mathematics undergraduate students from Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto - UFOP (Federal University of Ouro Preto), Brazil, who were attending the course “Seminar III: Solving and Formulating Problems as a Methodological Approach for Teaching Mathematics” in the Center of Distance Education (CEAD) at UFOP, Brazil.  The tools for data collection were virtual forums in a Moodle Platform, questionnaires, and chats. The collected data were organized and analyzed according to the source and background acquired from the literature review. The survey showed positive results regarding learning and brought considerable contribution in relation to the professional preparation of teachers. The results of the performed interactions and students’ interviews showed that it was possible to ensure that this proposal provided mathematics learning in several specific contents, especially for students with some previous knowledge, yet with some questioning. The possibility to solve mathematical problems on a new perspective without the use of mechanical and memorized techniques encouraged student's critical sense. Furthermore, the changes that students experienced were reflected on their professional practice, modifying their behavior in the classroom as a teacher.

Keywords: Mathematical Problem Solving; Mathematics Teaching and Learning ; Distance Education; Teachers’ initial training.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.14244/19827199760