Conference Proceedings
High Performance, Confidence, and Disinclination to Explore: A case study
G Williams
Mathematics education: Yesterday, today and tomorrow: Proceedings of the 36th annual conference of the Mathematics Education Research Group of Australasia | MERGA | Published : 2013
Abstract
This video-stimulated interview study of problem-solving activity of a high performing Grade 6 girl who displayed confidence in her mathematical ability, provides a microanalysis of tensions she encountered when her findings using concrete aides did not match her rule application. It highlights her disinclination to explore these inconsistencies. This study points to the problematic nature of pedagogical approaches that develop only instrumental understandings and emphasises the need to explicitly value what policies promote; creative and innovative thinking.