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http://dx.doi.org/10.7468/mathedu.2021.60.1.133

An analysis of spatial reasoning ability and problem solving ability of elementary school students while solving ill-structured problems  

Choi, Jooyun (Ewha Womans University Graduate School)
Kim, Min Kyeong (Ewha Womans University)
Publication Information
The Mathematical Education / v.60, no.2, 2021 , pp. 133-157 More about this Journal
Abstract
Ill-structured problems have drawn attention in that they can enhance problem-solving skills, which are essential in future societies. The purpose of this study is to analyze and evaluate students' spatial reasoning(Intrinsic-Static, Intrinsic-Dynamic, Extrinsic-Static, and Extrinsic-Dynamic reasoning) and problem solving abilities(understanding problems and exploring strategies, executing plans and reflecting, collaborative problem-solving, mathematical modeling) that appear in ill-structured problem-solving. To solve the research questions, two ill-structured problems based on the geometry domain were created and 11 lessons were given. The results are as follows. First, spatial reasoning ability of sixth-graders was mainly distributed at the mid-upper level. Students solved the extrinsic reasoning activities more easily than the intrinsic reasoning activities. Also, more analytical and higher level of spatial reasoning are shown when students applied functions of other mathematical domains, such as computation and measurement. This shows that geometric learning with high connectivity is valuable. Second, the 'problem-solving ability' was mainly distributed at the median level. A number of errors were found in the strategy exploration and the reflection processes. Also, students exchanged there opinion well, but the decision making was not. There were differences in participation and quality of interaction depending on the face-to-face and web-based environment. Furthermore, mathematical modeling element was generally performed successfully.
Keywords
ill-structured problem; spatial reasoning ability; problem-solving ability;
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