An Empirical Investigation of Sixth grade Students’ Modelling Processes in Cyprus

Nicholas Mousoulides
University of Cyprus, Cyprus

Bharath Sriraman
The University of Montana, USA

Constantinos Christou
University of Cyprus, Cyprus


Abstract

Results from the recent PISA 2003 study documented three types of problem solving activities, namely decision making, system analysis and design and trouble shooting (OECD, 2004). The present study conducted in Cyprus provides a sound theoretical foundation for modelling processes involved in mathematical problem solving of young learners by elaborating on PISA’s results and considering previous innovative contributions. Within this framework, we develop a test for measuring the modelling processes involved in different types of problems in mathematical problem solving. We investigate sixth grade students’ modelling processes in problem solving in Cyprus and propose an empirical model that operationalizes and encompasses most of the previous research in the area. We aim to generate a categorization of modelling processes students need to master in succeeding in different problem solving situations which require engaging in modelling processes.

Keywords: Problem solving, modelling processes, mathematics teaching, structural equation modelling.

AMS Subject Classification: 97

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