I aim to describe how teachers' beliefs and practices influence the way mathematical argumentation is conducted in lower secondary mathematics classroom within the Czech curricular context. I present results of two studies: the first one characterises the Czech curricular context, namely, the national curricular document and aspects of justification of mathematical statements in selected series of mathematics textbooks. The second study reports on characteristics of teachers' beliefs and practices as related to argumentation on an example of six purposefully selected teachers, via interviews and observations of their lessons. Finally, I select three teachers with differing approaches to teaching and describe specific observed instances in their practices in relation to classroom norms regarding argumentation, justification of general mathematical truths, and aspects of arguments. I show how teachers' beliefs, a textbook and pupils may influence the observed arguments. The studies show that a teachers' emphasis on efficiency (fulfilling school curriculum demands) on one hand and on sense-making on the other lead to distinct implemented curricula. The curricular context and teachers' practice analysis suggest that justification of general truths is generally seen as important but without clear cognitive aims...

The purpose of this paper is to compare curriculum documents for K-12 education from the state of North Carolina from two time periods, 1920s and 2003. The historical development of the mathematics curriculum in North Carolina provides a snapshot of the shifts in mathematics teaching and learning. North Carolina, a state in the southeast of the United States, has had a statewide standard course over a period spanning more than eighty years. A document analysis of printed curriculum standards from allows a description of the mathematics concepts and tasks that were expected of students in those years. The analysis revealed stark contrasts in the focus of mathematics from a very computational emphasis to one of problem solving. The analysis also highlighted the understanding of algebraic concepts and ideas as an essential outcome of current mathematics programs.

No description available.

We present a new course titled “Introduction to the Mathematical Sciences.” The course content is 1/3 algebra, 1/3 statistics, and 1/3 computer science and is taught in a laboratory environment on computers. The course pedagogy departs radically from traditional mathematics courses taught in the U.S. and makes extensive use of spreadsheet software to teach algebraic and statistical concepts. The course is currently offered in area high schools and two-year postsecondary institutions with financial support from a Blandin Foundation grant (referenced under BFG). We will present empirical evidence that indicates students in this course learn more algebra than students in a traditional semester-long algebra course. Additionally, we present empirical evidence that students learn statistical and computer science topics in addition to algebra. We will also present the model of developing this course which depended on increasing future student success in a variety of disciplines at the post-secondary level of study.

We present a new course titled “Introduction to the Mathematical Sciences.” The course content is 1/3 algebra, 1/3 statistics, and 1/3 computer science and is taught in a laboratory environment on computers. The course pedagogy departs radically from traditional mathematics courses taught in the U.S. and makes extensive use of spreadsheet software to teach algebraic and statistical concepts. The course is currently offered in area high schools and two-year postsecondary institutions with financial support from a Blandin Foundation grant (referenced under BFG). We will present empirical evidence that indicates students in this course learn more algebra than students in a traditional semester-long algebra course. Additionally, we present empirical evidence that students learn statistical and computer science topics in addition to algebra. We will also present the model of developing this course which depended on increasing future student success in a variety of disciplines at the post-secondary level of study.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-04-27T16:57:00Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Luciane Santos Rosenbaum.pdf: 6907932 bytes, checksum: 73fa79dd753c44164be51ff0aab23315 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2010-10-04 / Secretaria da Educação do Estado de São Paulo / This present work aims to verify: as compatible constructivist perspectives of learning with the planning of Trigonometric Functions; teaching the as researches in mathematics education field , which brings important results on the learning process may contribute to the organization of the Trigonometric Functions teaching that leverage best learning situations for students, as the performance of teachers of mathematics is revealed, with regard to planning activities in the teaching of Trigonometric Functions, consistent with a constructivist view of learning. We developed a qualitative study with two teachers and 70 students from the 2nd Grade of high school in a public school in the State of São Paulo. Its theoretical work of Simon (1995) on the use of HLT in teaching mathematics to formulate models of teaching based on constructivism. As a component of the Mathematics Teaching Cycle developed by Simon, the elaborate HLT was made use of the research findings for the development of Trigonometric Functions through activities and solve problems involving: constructions with ruler and compass, manipulative material, scientific calculator, construct graphs using software GeoGebra and paper and pencil. The results led us to conclude that the use of research contributes to the education organization of Trigonometric Functions; however you must provide access to such teachers to such research. Although the HLT are potentially rich, complex is the task of developing activities to accomplish a constructivist learning perspective. We note that participation in tasks involving the use of technology and material handling enhances the learning of Trigonometric Functions. However, the HLT is not prepared enough for learning to occur, because the teacher performance has a decisive role in mediating the construction of knowledge of the students. In the same way we experience the interaction and participation between students and teacher which is essential for learning / O presente trabalho tem como objetivo verificar: como compatibilizar perspectivas construtivistas de aprendizagem com o planejamento do ensino de Funções Trigonométricas; como as pesquisas na área de Educação Matemática, que trazem resultados importantes sobre a aprendizagem, podem contribuir para a organização do ensino de Funções Trigonométricas que potencialize boas situações de aprendizagem aos alunos; como a atuação do professor de Matemática se revela, no que se refere às atividades de planejamento do ensino de Funções Trigonométricas, de forma compatível com uma perspectiva construtivista de aprendizagem. Desenvolvemos um estudo de natureza qualitativa com 2 professores e 70 alunos da 2.ª série do Ensino Médio de uma escola da rede pública do Estado de São Paulo. Este trabalho, tem como fundamentação teórica os trabalhos de Simon (1995) sobre o uso de THA no ensino de Matemática para formular modelos de ensino baseados no construtivismo. Como componente do Ciclo de Ensino de Matemática desenvolvido por Simon, a THA elaborada fez uso de resultados de pesquisas para o desenvolvimento de Funções Trigonométricas por meio de atividades e resolução de problemas que envolveram: construções com régua e compasso, material manipulativo, calculadora científica, construção de gráficos usando o software Geogebra e papel e lápis. Os resultados obtidos nos levaram a concluir que o uso de pesquisas contribui para a organização do ensino de Funções Trigonométricas, no entanto é necessário possibilitar o acesso dos professores a tais pesquisas. Verificou-se que embora as THAs sejam potencialmente ricas, é complexa a tarefa de elaboração de atividades para que se efetive uma aprendizagem numa perspectiva construtivista. Constatamos que a participação em tarefas que envolvem o uso de tecnologia e manipulação de materiais potencializa o aprendizado de Funções Trigonométricas. Porém, a THA elaborada não é suficiente para que a aprendizagem ocorra, pois a atuação do professor tem papel decisivo na mediação da construção do conhecimento dos seus alunos. Da mesma forma vimos que a interação entre alunos, e estes com o professor são essenciais para uma aprendizagem significativa

Made available in DSpace on 2016-04-27T16:57:05Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Luciane Mendonca.pdf: 3977557 bytes, checksum: fb98d9c9ddfea06e70f87610d14a30ce (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011-05-02 / Secretaria da Educação do Estado de São Paulo / The present study aimed to verify the possibility to reconcile constructivist perspectives of learning with the planning of teaching in a collaborative work between researches and teachers, what refers to the theme Combinatorial Analysis, and verify the performance of mathematics teachers in the activities of planning education, consistent with the constructivist perspective of present learning in the Hypothetical Learning Trajectory. It is a qualitative study with three teachers and 104 high school students of two public schools of the state of São Paulo and has as theorical reasons Simon s works about the use of Hypothetical Learning Trajectory in the education of mathematics to formulate models of teaching based on constructivism. The results led us to conclude that the use of researches contributes to organizing the teaching of Combinatorial Analysis; that the commitment of the instructor when planning your lessons and the pratice in the classroom consistent with the constructivist perspective are fundamental to reach the expected results to the elaboreted Hypothetical Learning Trajectory; that the teacher performance has a decisive role in mediating the construction of knowledge of your students; and that the interaction and participation among students and teachers are essential for learning to occur / O presente trabalho teve como objetivo verificar a possibilidade de compatibilizar perspectivas construtivistas de aprendizagem com a planificação do ensino, em um trabalho colaborativo entre pesquisador e professores, no que se refere ao tema Análise Combinatória. Busca-se também verificar a atuação do professor de matemática nas atividades de planejamento de ensino, de forma compatível com a perspectiva construtivista de aprendizagem presente na Trajetória Hipotética de Aprendizagem (THA). É um estudo de natureza qualitativa com três professores e 104 alunos do Ensino Médio de duas escolas da rede pública do estado de São Paulo e tem como fundamentação teórica os trabalhos de Simon sobre o uso de THA no ensino de Matemática para formular modelos de ensino baseados no construtivismo. Os resultados obtidos levaram-nos a inferir que o uso de pesquisas contribui para a organização do ensino de Análise Combinatória; que o comprometimento do docente ao planejar suas aulas e a prática em sala de aula condizente com a perspectiva construtivista são fundamentais para alcançar os resultados esperados para THA elaborada; que a atuação do professor tem papel decisivo na mediação da construção do conhecimento dos seus alunos; e que a interação e a participação entre alunos e professor são essenciais para que ocorra a aprendizagem

Made available in DSpace on 2016-04-27T16:57:41Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Lia Correa da Costa.pdf: 1638268 bytes, checksum: d64fff2869ae4d09aa99837067d0185c (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-12-08 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / This thesis aims to investigate the elaboration and structuralization of the Curriculum of a Mathematics degree course from a public institution in the city of São Paulo. This Curriculum is different from others we know, because there are eleven Math Foundations disciplines, which cover the Basic Education content. To achieve this research we sought support in studies with the theme curriculum and public domain official documents of the institution in its website. This investigation s approach is qualitative and descriptive. We resorted to interviews with two professors of the institution, who were part of the elaboration of the curriculum, and analyses of documents such as the Political Pedagogical Project, the Course Plan and the Course of Study. In general, the analyses enable to affirm that the experiences and the participation of the two professors were fundamental to the elaboration and structuralization of the Math Curriculum, as they observed the difficulties of the new High Education students. Through this Curriculum, we observed that it is possible to articulate contents of Mathematics studies in Basic Education with the Higher Education, what makes it significant to the formation of Mathematics teachers. This study attempts to reveal that the attitude of the teachers and the formatting of the Curriculum were positive aspects in the elaboration of the Curriculum of this Mathematics degree course / Esta tese tem por objetivo investigar a elaboração e estruturação do Currículo de um curso de Licenciatura em Matemática de uma Instituição pública da cidade de São Paulo. A grade curricular é diferenciada em relação a outras que conhecemos, composta por onze disciplinas denominadas Fundamentos para o Ensino da Matemática, que abordam os conteúdos da Educação Básica. Para realizar esta pesquisa buscamos suporte nos estudos que tratam do tema currículo e documentos oficiais de domínio público que se encontram no site da Instituição. A abordagem desta investigação é qualitativa, do tipo descritiva. A coleta de dados envolveu entrevistas realizadas com dois professores da Instituição que participaram da elaboração do currículo, e análise de documentos do Projeto Político Pedagógico, Plano de Curso e Grade Curricular. De modo geral, a análise permite afirmar que as experiências e as participações dos professores do curso foram fundamentais na elaboração e estruturação do currículo de Matemática ao observarem as dificuldades dos alunos ingressos no Ensino Superior. Por meio desse Currículo, vimos que é possível articular conteúdos de Matemática da Educação Básica ao currículo de Matemática do Ensino Superior, tornando-o significativo para a formação de professores de Matemática. Este estudo busca mostrar que a postura dos professores e a formatação do Currículo foram aspectos positivos na elaboração do Currículo de Licenciatura em Matemática

Made available in DSpace on 2016-04-27T16:59:00Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Rubens de Souza Cabral Junior.pdf: 674945 bytes, checksum: a7b08caccbe5458769ea2ebaed6c2e34 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2009-12-02 / Secretaria da Educação do Estado de São Paulo / The research had as objective to check what are the contributions and difficulties of teachers in planning and developing a hypothetical learning trajectory (HLT) about basic knowledge of probability for high school students. The justification of our research agrees with Simon s statement (1995) that there are a lot of researches in the area of learning with constructivists approach, but very little of their results are incorporated in the classes of teachers. Initially, we did a bibliographic review of the works whose theme is the process of teaching and learning of probability. From these results we made a sequence of teaching probability which we show for three teachers develop with their students, being on tenterhooks to consider the HLT and, at the same time, create new hypotheses about the process of teaching and learning of probabilities. The research shows that teachers who took part in the study have knowledge about the Laplace s approach in introduction of the concept of probability, however they need theoretical support about the possibility of learning basic knowledge of probability using the differences of frequentist and Laplace focus. This fact limited their contributions in the elaboration and development of HLT, leading teachers to a more contemplative than criticism attitude in relation to activities presented / A investigação realizada teve como objetivo verificar quais são as contribuições e dificuldades dos professores em planejar e desenvolver uma trajetória hipotética de aprendizagem (THA) sobre noções iniciais de probabilidade para alunos do Ensino Médio. A justificativa da nossa pesquisa do tipo qualitativa vai ao encontro do que afirma Simon (1995), de que existem muitos trabalhos na área de aprendizagem com abordagem construtivista, porém muito pouco dos seus resultados está incorporado nas elaborações de aulas dos professores. Sendo assim, efetuamos, inicialmente, uma revisão bibliográfica dos trabalhos que têm como tema o processo de ensino e aprendizagem de probabilidade. A partir desses resultados, elaboramos uma sequência de ensino de probabilidade, que foi apresentada para três professores desenvolverem com os alunos, na expectativa de avaliar a THA e ao mesmo tempo elaborar novas hipóteses sobre o processo de ensino e aprendizagem de probabilidades. A pesquisa nos mostra que os professores que participaram do estudo têm conhecimento da abordagem laplaciana na introdução do conceito de probabilidade, no entanto carecem de embasamento teórico sobre a possibilidade de apreensão da noção de probabilidade utilizando-se da confrontação dos enfoques frequentista e laplaciano. Este fato limitou as suas contribuições na elaboração e desenvolvimento da THA, conduzindo os professores a uma atitude mais contemplativa do que crítica em relação às atividades apresentadas

What do the Honda Civic, the Mazda 626, and the Boeing 747 have in common? What about Weird Al's song Bob, the first name of Miley Cyrus' alter ego, and the 70s sensation Abba? What do all these things have in common? They all contain palindromes. While some people recognise a palindrome when they see one, fewer realise that a palindrome is a special case of a pattern and that these patterns are all around. Palindromes frequently occur in names, both of vehicles and people, and in music.