Fortalecer habilidades matemáticas desde nuestro entorno para la resolución de problemas

Abstract

SUMMARY

This document contains the design, development and conclusions of the graduation project “STRENGTHENING MATHEMATICAL SKILLS FROM OUR ENVIRONMENT FOR PROBLEM SOLVING”.

This project focuses on the research field of problem solving in mathematics carried out in the Indian reserve “La Gabriela” located in El Caguan village which is part of the city of Neiva.

A community farm was constructed next to the reserve school. It served as the setting to observe, analyze and set up activities containing mathematical problems. Through it, students were able to identify how theoretical principles were applied as they constructed the farm and took care of it. Later on, they used these same principles in the classroom in order to show coherence between the school setting and their community environment; between what they learned and real life.

A diagnostic test allowed to identify the difficulties students had regarding problem solving in mathematics. This project was used as a didactic tool to help students build mathematical knowledge. Students were able to identify concepts and strengthen their mathematical skills at using the basic arithmetic operations. Among others, students did: length measurements, counting, used measuring and drawing instruments. Also, they were able to work on graphic design, calculate perimeters and areas, and solved mathematical problems that stemmed from the farm setting.

Mathematical problem-solving skills can indeed be reinforced from students' environments. This project shows that communities' everyday settings have a significant impact on nurturing meaningful learning. It was evident that mathematics is present in students' reality and it can be appealing to them as long as it helps them solve problem situations in a more concrete fashion.

Rose Mary Naranjo Mayorga