International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education (PME)

Proceedings of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education · Volume 1

Students’ Beliefs About Open Modelling Problems

Nils Völlinger, Stanislaw Schukajlow, Janina Krawitz

University of Münster

49th Annual Conference of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education, PME 2026Helsinki27 July 2026 - 1 August 2026pp. 1555–1562ISSN 2790-36482026Scopus conference code 336559
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Abstract

Solving open mathematical modelling problems is challenging for students. Students’ beliefs may be a reason for these difficulties. In this study, we analyzed (1) students’ beliefs about open mathematical modelling problems and (2) how their beliefs are related to their solution processes. Ten ninth graders solved open mathematical modelling problems and verbalized their solution processes. Inductive qualitative content analysis revealed that students held multiple inappropriate beliefs, for example, that applying a mathematical procedure is more important than critically engaging with the real-world situation. This belief was negatively associated with the correctness of students’ solutions to modelling problems. This study contributes to the theory of beliefs by revealing a belief system with respect to open modelling problems.

Keywords

BeliefsModelling problemsOpenness

Recommended citation

Völlinger, N., Schukajlow, S., & Krawitz, J. (2026). Students’ Beliefs About Open Modelling Problems. In Krzywacki H., Hähkiöniemi M., Haataja E., Hannula M.S., Hästö P. (Eds.), Proceedings of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education, Volume 1 (pp. 1555–1562). Psychology of Mathematics Education (PME). ISSN 2790-3648.
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