A matemática nos anos iniciais do ensino fundamental: a resolução de problemas como alternativa para aprendizagens significativas

Abstract

Knowing how important mathematics is in our lives, and is present in everyday life, this study aims to identify, through qualitative research, how the practice of interpreting and solving problem situations involving mathematical operations is being worked on in a public school the interior of Paraíba. To achieve this goal we employ a conversation wheel technique using Google Meet, with four elementary school teachers. Thus, we investigate how classes are taught in practice, the profile of teacher training, the methodology used in mathematics classes and the performance of students when referring to the practice of solving and problem situations as a didactic proposal in the classroom. Then, a questionnaire was applied, presenting questions about the facilities and difficulties in the teachers' educational practice. For the reflection and discussion of this research we have the contribution of some researchers and scholars in the area, suchas: D'Ambrósio (1986; 2020), Dante (2010; 2020), Polya (2006; 2020), Pozo (1998; 2020) and others, in addition to the National Curriculum Parameters (2001; 2020). This theoretical arsenal allowed us to reflect and ponder our data on the practice of solving problem situations in the classroom. We verified, from our theoretical framework, that such activity makes mathematics classes more meaningful, developing a good relationship between school mathematics and life mathematics. However, in the classrooms of the surveyed teachers, this reality is not being developed, making it difficult for the student to learn. We observed that problem solving is being presented in a decontextualized way, not valuing the students' prior knowledge. In this way, we verify the continuity of “old” traditional practices, making it difficult for students to learn and contributing to school failure. We conclude that more studies need to be developed in this area, also including the opinions and knowledge of the students.