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A Transition from Informal to Formal Proof in K-12 Mathematics

Cutforth, Alissa
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1492704092530259

Abstract Details

2017, Master of Mathematical Sciences, Ohio State University, Mathematical Sciences.
Proof plays a valuable role in increasing understanding of mathematics. Despite recent calls for proof in all grades and all math courses, constructing formal proofs is a prevalent challenge in high school mathematics, and it remains relegated mostly to geometry courses. While some informal reasoning is being integrated in elementary classrooms and beyond, students are not developing enough understanding of proof to be successful in formal reasoning. Consequently, a beneficial question is: What can be done in K-12 education to help students transition from informal to formal proof? This paper illustrates, with examples, four aspects of proof: generality, justification, precision of language, and conceptual complexity— all of which can vary across grades. Together these four aspects frame a transition from informal to formal proof in K-12 mathematics. The paper also considers implications of the transition for curriculum, for instruction in the classroom, and for teacher education, as well as directions for future research.
James Fowler, Dr. (Advisor)
Bradford Findell, Dr. (Committee Member)
Herb Clemens, Dr. (Committee Member)
Michael Battista, Dr. (Committee Member)
50 p.
Mathematics; Mathematics Education
Proof; Proving; K-12 Mathematics; Prospective Teachers

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Citations

  • Cutforth, A. (2017). A Transition from Informal to Formal Proof in K-12 Mathematics [Master's thesis, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1492704092530259

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Cutforth, Alissa. A Transition from Informal to Formal Proof in K-12 Mathematics. 2017. Ohio State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1492704092530259.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Cutforth, Alissa. "A Transition from Informal to Formal Proof in K-12 Mathematics." Master's thesis, Ohio State University, 2017. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1492704092530259

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

osu1492704092530259
778
© 2017, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.