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This study aims at understanding the role of the tools chosen throughout the processes of solving a non-routine mathematical problem and communicating its solution. In assuming that problem-solving is a synchronous activity of mathematization and expression of mathematical thinking we take our proposed Mathematical Problem Solving with Technology (MPST) model to analyze the processes of solving-and-expressing-problems. Resorting to qualitative methods for data collection and analysis, we report on the case of an 8th grader working on a covariation problem to examine the role that paper-and-pencil and digital tools play in the development of a conceptual model of the situation. We found that the resources used throughout the solving-and-expressing activity influenced the depth of the conceptual model developed, within a process of progressive mathematization. Whereas paper-and-pencil led to the emergence of a conceptual model based on exploring particular cases, the digital transformation of the solution was triggered by the process of communicating its mathematical justification and expanded the previous model. Moreover, the complexity of this activity is evidenced by its multiple sequences of processes. Finally, the integration process seems crucial as the concomitant use of technological and mathematical resources precedes major advancements in the expansion of the conceptual model.

Este artigo discute a atividade de resolução de problemas de Matemática com tecnologias no âmbito de um campeonato extraescolar a distância. O estudo visa descrever os aspetos subjacentes à utilização simultânea de conhecimento matemático e tecnológico nessa atividade, com foco no desenvolvimento de modelos conceptuais que conduzem às soluções dos problemas. A investigação, de natureza qualitativa, centra-se na análise de um conjunto de produções digitais elaboradas pelos participantes com recurso ao GeoGebra. Os dados mostram que o software é usado de forma livre e voluntária para estruturar e amplificar o pensamento matemático, influenciando os processos de resolução. Para além de suportar a materialização das situações problemáticas e favorecer a transformação de ideias estáticas em ideias dinâmicas, faz emergir matematizações que sustentam modelos conceptuais bastante distintos. Os aspetos subjacentes à existência de diferentes modos de resolver-e-exprimir um dado problema com o GeoGebra são explicados em termos da fluência tecno-matemática de cada participante., This paper addresses a mathematical problem-solving activity with technology in the context of an online beyond school competition. The study aims to describe the underlying aspects of simultaneously resorting to mathematical and technological knowledge in such an activity, focusing on the development of conceptual models for the solutions of problems. The research, following a qualitative approach, is based on the analysis of a set of digital solutions produced with GeoGebra. Main results show that the software is used freely and willingly to structure and amplify the mathematical thinking, influencing the solving and expressing processes. Besides supporting the materialization of the problematic situations and promoting the transformation of static ideas into dynamic ideas, it drives mathematization processes that support quite different conceptual models. The fundamental features that lead to different ways of solving-and-expressing a given problem with GeoGebra are explained in terms of the techno-mathematical fluency of each participant.

This study offers a view on students' technology-based problem solving activity through the lens of a theoretical model which accounts for the relationship between mathematical and technological knowledge in successful problem solving. This study takes a qualitative approach building on the work of a 13-year-old girl as an exemplary case of the nature of young students' spontaneous mathematical problem solving with technology. The empirical data comprise digital records of her approaches to two problems from a web-based mathematical competition where she resorted to GeoGebra and an interview where she explains and describes her usual problem solving activity with this tool. Based on a proposed model for describing the processes of mathematical problem solving with technologies (MPST), the main results show that this student's solving and expressing the solution are held from the early and continuing interplay between mathematical skills and the perception of the affordances of the tool. The analytical model offers a clear picture of the type of actions that lead to the solution of each problem, revealing the student's ability to deal with mathematics and technology in problem solving. By acknowledging this as a case of a human-with-media in solving mathematical problems, the students' efficient way of merging technological and mathematical knowledge is portrayed in terms of her techno-mathematical fluency. project Problem@Web - Fundacao para a Ciencia e Tecnologia [PTDC/CPE-CED/101635/2008] Fundacao para a Ciencia e Tecnologia [SFRH/BD/73363/2010] info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion