MATHEMATICAL REASONING THROUGH PROBLEM SOLVING: PROCESSES EVIDENCED BY 7TH GRADE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

Abstract

This article aims to investigate mathematical reasoning processes developed by a trio of students in the 7^th grade of Elementary School in the city of Maringá in the State of Paraná. During the research, the students solved problems, supported by the Methodology of Teaching-Learning-Assessment of Mathematics through Problem Solving. From the theoretical framework adopted, we try to define what mathematical reasoning is, as well as the main aspects that envolve it, through an understanding organized by Jeannotte and Kieran (2017). The study is part of a broader project and it follows an interpretative and qualitative perspective based on the Design-Based Research (DBR) method. Data were collected through audios recording of dialogues between students and the teacher, as well as the records done by students when they solved the proposed problems. The transcribed and analyzed audios considering the theorical foundation. As a result, we found that providing opportunities for situations involving unusual problems in mathematics contributed to the mobilization evidenced mathematical reasoning processes such as, conjecturing, exemplifying, justifying, and validating.