Prospective primary teachers’ mathematical problem solving knowledge

Abstract

Problem-solving is a pivotal process in mathematics education, however, implementing it effectively in the classroom is not trivial, since teachers must hold specific knowledge for it. In this work, we present a multiple case study focused on prospective primary school teachers' knowledge about mathematical problems, their resolution process, and their disposition towards them. The participants were 9 future primary teachers who finished their degree at a university in Spain. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews. The results indicate teachers hold a problem characterization disconnected from the solver and a linear conceptualization of the problem-solving process, showing a poor integration in their professional knowledge.