Problem Posing for and Through Investigations in a Dynamic Geometry Environment

Abstract

This chapter analyzes three different types of problem posing associated with geometry investigations in school mathematics, namely (a) problem posing through proving; (b) problem posing for investigation; and (c) problem posing through investigation. Mathematical investigations and problem posing which are central for activities of professional mathematicians, when integrated in school mathematics, allow teachers and students to experience meaningful mathematical activities, including the discovery of new mathematical facts when posing mathematical problems. A dynamic geometry environment (DGE) plays a special role in mathematical problem posing. I describe different types of problem posing associated with geometry investigations by using examples from a course with prospective mathematics teachers. Starting from one simple problem I invite the readers to track one particular mathematical activity in which participants arrive at least at 25 new problems through investigation in a DGE and through proving.