A Rationale for Mathematical Problem Solving on a Small Group — Focusing on Collaborative Interaction

The purpose of this study is to find out a theoretical basis for the interactions of learning in a small group setting of mathematical problem solving. Many researchers already examined the theoretical background for the small group settings in problem solving. However, most of the literatures merely have reported findings of achievement and ignored the process-observation taken during the small group work to determine how various psychological, social and academic effects are produced. Two types of interactions, mutual collaboration and asymmetric collaboration, are observed as the interactions of learning, which are conceived as the cores of authentic mathematical activities.