Undergraduate Students’ Mathematical Proof Processes in a Calculus Course: A Case Study

Abstract

This qualitative case study is designed to determine students' views on and processes of constructing proofs. The participants were two females and one male freshman students in a mathematics teacher training program. The participants were selected representing their proficiency level in Intro to Analysis II as low, medium and high achievers. Data were gathered through classroom observations, structured interviews and papers where students reflected their proof processes. The data were analyzed through content analysis by using a qualitative analysis software program, Nvivo 7. The findings describe students' proof schemes and approaches, as well as display the patterns in showing the relationship between proof schemes and approaches.