Impact of problem solving on trigonometric learning in Afro-Colombian communities

Bibliographic Data

ID22166643
AuthorsPedro Hurtado Orozco (Universidad Simón Bolívar, corresponding author), Adolfo Pimienta Acosta (0000-0003-0114-2812, Universidad Simón Bolívar), John Moreno Barrios (Universidad de Medellín), Alexander Leones Pino (Universidad de Medellín)
Year2025
Volume10
Publication date2025-09-18
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueFrontiers in Education (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2504-284X • E-ISSN: 2504-284X
PublisherFrontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3389/feduc.2025.1626007
OpenAlexW4414331245
LanguageEN
References cited58

The article advocates for the need to adapt trigonometry teaching to Afro-Colombian communities through appropriate strategies that reflect their environment and culture, arguing that the use of authentic problem-solving is a relevant didactic design to foster meaningful learning, promote motivation, and strengthen students' identity. It is a qualitative, theoretical-conceptual study framed within the socio-critical paradigm and guided by the principles of Participatory Action Research (PAR). Although no fieldwork was conducted, a critical review of pedagogical, academic, and policy-related literature was carried out to support the design of a relevant educational proposal. The theoretical framework is built upon contextualized problem-solving, critical mathematics education, ethnomathematics, and PAR. It argues that teaching trigonometry through real-life problems enhances conceptual understanding, critical thinking, and the application of mathematical knowledge to everyday situations. Moreover, it highlights the potential for integrating ancestral knowledge related to navigation, topography, or Afro-Colombian craftsmanship. The results reveal both pedagogical and social advantages, as well as tensions and challenges such as misalignment with the official curriculum, gaps in teacher training, and limited resources. Nonetheless, the study also identifies opportunities to enrich teaching with culturally meaningful content. Finally, it proposes organizing participatory projects that connect teachers, students, and the community in the development of contextualized didactic materials, aiming for a more equitable, critical, and transformative mathematics education

Action research · Citizen journalism · Conceptual framework · Participatory action research · Transformative learning · Trigonometry · Educational Innovations and Technology · Innovative Teaching and Learning Methods · Problem and Project Based Learning

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