Perceptions of high school students on algebra problem solving, using dynamic software and the Predict-Investigate-Explain strategy

As part of a learning innovation project initiated by the New Brunswick Ministry of Education, we created and tested four algebra teaching-learning scenarios at the grade 12 level, which touched particularly on the concept of function parameters introduced using a Predict-Observe-Explain strategy and dynamic software a pro blem solving context. This development-type exploratory research adopts a design approach for an educational product, or the creation of specific learning activities (Loiselle, 2001). Qualitative data were collected from students through a questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. On one hand, the real-life context and the visual aspect of a dynamic and interactive investigation using software seems to have made the learning of functions more significant for the student, and provided a chance to see connections between different mathematical representations, making the students more independent in the problem solving process. On the other hand, this change in practice may have led to a breakdown in the didactic contract, which destabilized some of the students, who were looking for more clarification and supervision from the teacher. This innovative practice of complexifying the problem-solving process deserves further study to determine its real impact on student learning and classroom dynamics.