In-depth interviews as a tool in didactics of mathematics

We aim at characterizing what mathematical experts and novices think about scientific learning and research: about the epistemology of their subject, about relevant skills and about beneficial attitudes, as well as biographical features (dis)advantageous for prolific scientific work. To gain significant qualitative data we adopt techniques for in-depth interviews that include associative and projective methods stemming from systemic and person-centred counselling. One long-term goal is to obtain evidence-based recommendations on how to establish adequate propaedeutics in secondary and tertiary science education in the STEM fields.