Mathematics Learning through Arts and Collaborative Problem-Solving : The Princess and the Diamond-Problem

Abstract

In this paper, we examine a mathematics education course which focused on collaborative mathematical problem solving in art topics. The students of the course were Finnish primary school pre-service teachers. During the course students investigated tessellations, reflected on their experiences and designed workshops for pupils. The course meetings were video recorded. Students’ work contained elements of mathematical problem solving and gave them experiences of working collaboratively. The topic of tessellation was found suitable for this purpose.