Post Course Interview
Subsequent to the offering of the problem solving course, during the following quarter individual interviews were conducted with twelve of the participants in the class. The interview questions attempted to get at the students' self-assessment of their learning in the class, particularly with respect to planning and execution, general strategies (heuristics), and specific techniques. It asked students to contrast the problems worked on in Math 30 with those in mathematics classes they were taking at the time the interview was conducted and to indicate whether what they learned in the problem solving class was of benefit in their current studies. It further asked them to describe whether the course had any effect on their confidence as a matematics student and in what ways if any it had changed the way(s) in which they viewed themselves as learners and doers of mathematics. Students were also asked to look at several problems and to suggest what specific techniques might be used in a solution. In the final section of the interview, the students were asked to attempt to solve one or two problems (time permitting) while thinking out loud.
Below are links to summaries of the student responses to the different questions of the interview.
Continuing study of mathematics.
Contrast of problem solving in current classes with Math 30.
Recall of learning general approaches to problem solving in Math 30:
Recall of specific problem solving techniques learned in Math 30
Opportunity to use specific problem solving techniques in current classes.
Reflection on thinking while problem solving.
Opportunity to engage in mathematical conversation in Math 30 and contrast with other classes.
Efficacy of discussion to specific learning goals in Math 30.
Change in confidence as a mathematics learner.
Influence on self-image as a learner and doer of mathematics.
Identification of problem solving techniques which might be applicable to specifc problems.
Observations on students working on problems out loud.