Teaching and learning of the Poisson's model: A model building experience.

In this article, we describe an experience with the teaching and learning of the Poisson´s Model, directed to university students. We used the Anthropological Theory of the Didactic and the principles of the Mathematical Modeling Process for the elaboration of the teaching sequence, showing that it is possible to build the model without resorting to the Binomial limit, making use of the notions of calculus. In the development of the learning activities, the computer was used as a didactic tool. The analysis of results was based on the Theory of the Semiotic Functions and proved that the students learned many significant elements considered in the teaching. On the other hand, the study allowed for the identification of difficulties throughout the process: for example, the interpretation of expressions such as "at least" and "at most", the representation used, the analysis of the results of hypothesis tests and the manipulation of the software.