Integrating 3D modeling and printing with model-eliciting activity for pre-service mathematics teachers: Challenges and opportunities

To understand three-dimensional modeling and printing (3DMP) technology, pre-service mathematics teachers (PMTs) need to experience it within their education program. This technology can be used to solve model-eliciting activities (MEAs). The present qualitative study aimed to investigate the challenges and opportunities of PMTs in integrating 3DMP while solving one MEA. To this end, the qualitative data—the researchers’ field notes and the PMTs’ written, digital, and physical work—were collected from 20 PMTs in a single session of the 3D printing in school course as part of a teacher education program in Austria. The results indicated that the participants encountered both challenges and opportunities concerning 3DMP and collaboration. These findings can provide insights into the use of 3DMP-integrated MEAs in mathematics education and teacher education.