Artifacts as sources for problem-posing activities

The problem-posing process represents one of the forms of authentic mathematical inquiry which, if suitably implemented in classroom activities, could move well beyond the limitations of word problems, at least as they are typically utilized. The two exploratory studies presented sought to investigate the impact of problem-posing activities when they are implemented in meaningful situations involving the use of cultural artifacts, with its associated mathematics, and particular teaching methods. These situations fall under those defined by Stoyanova and Ellerton (1996) as semi-structured situations. Furthermore, these studies investigated the potential that problem-posing activities have for identifying and stimulating critical and creative thinking in mathematics.