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Using mathematics to solve real world problems: the role of enablers

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Abstract

The purpose of this article is to report on a newly funded research project in which we will investigate how secondary students apply mathematical modelling to effectively address real world situations. Through this study, we will identify factors, mathematical, cognitive, social and environmental that “enable” year 10/11 students to successfully begin the modelling process, that is, formulate and mathematise a real world problem. The 3-year study will take a design research approach in working intensively with six schools across two educational jurisdictions. It is anticipated that this research will generate new theoretical and practical insights into the role of “enablers” within the process of mathematisation, leading to the development of principles for the design and implementation for tasks that support students’ development as modellers.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Australian Catholic University, Brisbane, Australia

    Vincent Geiger

  2. Australian Catholic University, Ballarat, Australia

    Gloria Stillman

  3. Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Australia

    Jill Brown

  4. The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia

    Peter Galbriath

  5. Roskilde University, Roskilde, Denmark

    Mogens Niss

Authors
  1. Vincent Geiger
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  2. Gloria Stillman
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  3. Jill Brown
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  4. Peter Galbriath
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  5. Mogens Niss
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Correspondence to Vincent Geiger.

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Geiger, V., Stillman, G., Brown, J. et al. Using mathematics to solve real world problems: the role of enablers. Math Ed Res J 30, 7–19 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13394-017-0217-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13394-017-0217-3

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