Proportionality: problem-solving strategies used by Elementary School students in Quebec

Abstract

This study sought to determine the problem-solving strategies most used by 13- and 14- year-old 8th graders with regard to the concept of direct and inverse proportion. We also examined whether these students were able to recognize non-prortional contexts and specific challenges with regard to problem solving prior to learning the concept. Students from a Montréal, Québec Elementary School participated in this study. Our analysis revealed the used of several problem-solving strategies. The results show the potential and the diversity of the strategies employed prior to learning the concept of proportions and some of the challenges related to this concept. Keywords: Proportionality. Problem Solving. Mathematics Instruction.