um Realistic Mathematics Education and Problem Solving Integrated into School Financial Education in High School

Abstract

This study investigates the integration of Realistic Mathematics Education (RME) and Problem Solving (PS) with Financial Education in the New High School (NHS), aiming to enhance mathematical learning and the development of a healthy financial education. Conducted with 2nd-year high school students at a state school in Canoas, Rio Grande do Sul, the project focused on the formative itinerary of School Financial Education (SFE), addressing the content of compound interest. The research adopted a qualitative methodology, involving the participation of 12 students selected for their choice to pursue the Formative Itinerary (FI) of SFE. The activities were designed to apply and develop RME concepts, incorporating authentic everyday life problems to connect mathematics teaching to the students' reality. Data collection occurred through the observation of students' responses to specific mathematical tasks focused on SFE, and analysis of their interactions and discussions during the problem-solving process. The results indicate that the interdisciplinary approach, combining RME, PS, and SFE, facilitates a deeper and more applied understanding of mathematics, promoting the development of critical and practical skills in students. The findings suggest that the effective integration of RME and PS into the teaching of financial content in the NHS not only aids in mathematical learning but also enables the development of students' abilities to face real financial challenges, demonstrating the practical value of mathematics in forming critical and conscious citizens.