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Article of Volume 3, Issue 3, September 2008

Supporting students' participation in authentic proof activities in CSCL environments

Author: Diler Öner

Abstract: In this paper, I review both mathematics education and CSCL literature and discuss how we can better take advantage of CSCL tools for developing mathematical proof skills. I introduce a model of proof in school mathematics that incorporates both empirical and deductive ways of knowing. I argue that two major forces have given rise to this conception of proving: a particular learning perspective promoted in reform documents and a genre of computer tools, namely dynamic geometry software, which affords this perspective of learning within the context of mathematical proof. Tracing the move from absolutism to fallibilism in the philosophy of mathematics, I highlight the vital role of community in the production of mathematical knowledge. This leads me to an examination of a certain CSCL tool whose design is guided by knowledge-building pedagogy. I argue that knowledge building is a suitable pedagogical approach for the proof model presented in this paper. Furthermore, I suggest software modifications that will better support learners’ participation in authentic proof tasks.

Keywords: Mathematical proof, NCTM reform, Dynamic geometry software, Knowledge forum

Citation: Öner, D. (2008) Supporting students' participation in authentic proof activities in CSCL environments. ijcscl 3 (3)

DOI: 10.1007/s11412-008-9043-7

Preprint: oener_3_3.pdf

About this article at link.springer.com [http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11412-008-9043-7] including a link to the official electronic version.