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ERIC Number: EJ1279269
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2020
Pages: 19
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1473-0111
EISSN: N/A
Constructing-Evaluating-Refining Mathematical Conjectures and Proofs
Simsek, Zulfiye Zeybek
International Journal for Mathematics Teaching and Learning, v21 n2 p197-215 2020
This study focused on investigating the ability of 58 pre-service mathematics teachers (PSMTs) to construct-evaluate-refine mathematical conjectures and proofs. The PSMTs enrolled in a three-credit mathematics education course that offered various opportunities to engage with mathematical activities including constructing-evaluating-refining proofs in various topics. The PSMTs' proof constructions were coded in three categories as: Type P[subscript 1], Type P[subscript 2] and Type P[subscript 3] in decreasing levels of sophistication (from a mathematical stand point) and the constructions of conjectures were coded in two categories as: Type C[subscript 1] (correct conjectures); and Type C[subscript 2] (incorrect conjectures). In addition to classifying the PSMTs' proof and conjecture constructions, how they reacted when they needed to refine conjectures and proofs were also classified. Samples of classroom episodes were provided to exemplify these different proof-conjecture constructions-evaluations-refining processes. The results of the study demonstrated that the combined construction-evaluation-refining activities of conjectures and proofs were not only helpful to better illuminate the PSMTs' understanding of mathematical proofs, but they were also an essential instructional tool to help PSMTs comprehend mathematical ideas and relations.
Centre for Innovation in Mathematics Teaching. 5th Floor Rolle Building, Faculty of Education University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK. Tel: +44-1752-585346; Fax: +44-1752-585344; e-mail: feedback@cimt.org.uk; Web site: http://www.cimt.org.uk/ijmtl/index.php/IJMTL/about
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A