Exploring the role of assumptions in mathematical modeling teacher training using Fermi problems

This study explores the assumptions made by pre-service primary teachers during mathematical modeling activities using Fermi problems. While mathematical modeling is emphasized in curricula worldwide, little attention has been given to how teachers can effectively support students in making the nece...

ver descrição completa

Detalhes bibliográficos
Autores: Albarracín Gordo, Lluís|||0000-0002-1387-5573, Ärlebäck, Jonas Bergman|||0000-0001-5013-8890
Tipo de documento: artigo
Data de publicação:2025
País:España
Recursos:Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
Repositório:Dipòsit Digital de Documents de la UAB
Idioma:inglês
OAI Identifier:oai:ddd.uab.cat:310139
Acesso em linha:https://ddd.uab.cat/record/310139
https://dx.doi.org/urn:doi:10.1007/s11858-025-01677-0
Access Level:Acceso aberto
Palavra-chave:Mathematical modeling
Fermi problems
Teacher training
Modelització matemàtica
Formació de mestres
Descrição
Resumo:This study explores the assumptions made by pre-service primary teachers during mathematical modeling activities using Fermi problems. While mathematical modeling is emphasized in curricula worldwide, little attention has been given to how teachers can effectively support students in making the necessary assumptions to solve these problems. This research addresses this gap by analyzing 100 Fermi Problem Activity Templates produced by 35 pairs of pre-service teachers, focusing on the assumptions made during model formulation, mathematical processing, and strategic choices. Results reveal participants' challenges in identifying key quantities and constructing coherent models, particularly in distant and complex contexts. While accessible activities like guesstimation and data searching dominate, strategic decisions like experimentation and statistical polling remain underutilized. Findings highlight the potential of FPATs in teacher training to foster modeling competencies and address contextual problem-solving skills.