Exploring the Potential of Using Fermi Problems to Elicit and Develop Cultural Aspects in Modelling Processes

Jonas Ärlebäck*, Lluís Albarracín, Daniel Orey, Milton Rosa, Serife Sevinc

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in BookChapterResearchpeer-review

Abstract

In this chapter, we outline a theoretical scaffold comprising intercultural awareness and modelling perspective components. Additionally, we report on the outcomes of two exploratory studies that employ Fermi problems to elicit intercultural awareness in pre-service teachers and students. In the first study, the Bikes Problem was successful in promoting 7th graders’ cultural and a-cultural elements in the Fermi problem setting. In the second study, the Teapot Problem enabled pre-service teachers to consider contextual and cultural assumptions in their solutions to the Fermi problem. Consequently, the Fermi problems possess the potential to encourage problem solvers to identify cultural facets of the problem situations, while functioning as a mathematical modelling exercise in enhancing cultural and intercultural awareness.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationResearching Mathematical Modelling Education in Disruptive Times
EditorsHans-Stefan Siller, Vince Geiger, Gabriele Kaiser
Pages525-535
Number of pages11
Edition1
ISBN (Electronic)978-3-031-53322-8
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 4 Jun 2024

Publication series

NameInternational Perspectives on the Teaching and Learning of Mathematical Modelling
VolumePart F2944

Keywords

  • Culture
  • Ethnomathematics
  • Fermi problems
  • Intercultural awareness
  • Mathematical modelling
  • Models and modeling perspective

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