Encouraging the success of foreign students in schools: reinforcing problem solving in mathematics

In the present chapter we will explore education success in mathematics, in particular as regards reinforcing problem solving, trying to overcome a widespread view of deficit, which leads to attention being focused on what students cannot do or do not know how to do and which, in the majority of cases, is due to poor language proficiency. By focusing solely on these areas one runs the risk of involving students in simple cognitive activities that require the memorisation of rules and algorithms and the application of resolution strategies, which have already been dealt with, instead of more complex cognitive activities such as problem solving and argumentation. The resolution of mathematics problems and the discussion and sharing of strategies that follow from the same can constitute an important opportunity for the development of both linguistic and mathematic skills on the part of immigrant students.