Language Constraints in Constructing Arguments for Mathematical Proofs

Abstract

A learning trajectory for constructing mathematical proof has been developed. The trajectory is to provide the students with a step-by-step procedure in constructing arguments for proving mathematical statements. However, in proving activities, the students were found to encounter difficulties in completing a deductive axiomatic argument constituting an accepted mathematical proof. An investigation has been conducted to explore the problems the students experienced in constructing proofs. It was found that they faced language constraints in constructing mathematical arguments. They encountered challenges in how to correctly express the mathematical statements in their constructed proofs.