Loading...
Publication
Venues for analytical reasoning problems: how children produce deductive reasoning
| Name: | Description: | Size: | Format: | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.35 MB | Adobe PDF |
Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
The research on deductive reasoning in mathematics education has been predominantly
associated with the study of proof; consequently, there is a lack of studies on logical reasoning per
se, especially with young children. Analytical reasoning problems are adequate tasks to engage the
solver in deductive reasoning, as they require rule checking and option elimination, for which chains
of inferences based on premises and rules are accomplished. Focusing on the solutions of children
aged 10–12 to an analytical reasoning problem proposed in two separate settings—a web-based
problem-solving competition and mathematics classes—this study aims to find out what forms of
deductive reasoning they undertake and how they express that reasoning. This was done through a
qualitative content analysis encompassing 384 solutions by children participating in a beyond-school
competition and 102 solutions given by students in their mathematics classes. The results showed that
four di erent types of deductive reasoning models were produced in the two venues. Moreover, several
representational resources were found in the children’s solutions. Overall, it may be concluded that
moderately complex analytical reasoning tasks can be taken into regular mathematics classes to
support and nurture young children’s diverse deductive reasoning models.
Description
Keywords
Deductive reasoning mathematics class Analytical reasoning problem Reasoning models Young students Expression of reasoning Beyond-school mathematics competition
Citation
Publisher
MDPI