The meaning of a teaching problem according to Potentially Meaningful Problems: the analysis of an inquiry-based lesson

Abstract: This study analyzes the meaning of a teaching problem proposed in an inquiry-based activity. In order to do that, we tried to answer the following question: how do teacher and students assign meanings to and make sense of a teaching problem in an inquiry-based lesson? The qualitative study was carried out using data from the video recording of an investigative class, with students of the 3rd year of an elementary public school. The material was transcribed and organized into episodes and scenes. The instrument of analysis were the meaningful elements in Vygotsky’s notion of problem. Findings underscore that the resolution of the teaching problem by the students was marked by a wide range of meanings to make sense of the problem. The students had to deal with tensions between every day and scientific thinking, which are essential for the emergence of PMP Potentially Meaningful Problems. It is argued that the meaningful elements can serve as pedagogical and analytical tools to guide and evaluate the process of signification in inquiry-based lessons, as new problems emerge.