Development of structure sense in university students through the use of Variation Theory in handling rational algebraic expressions

Abstract

To develop a structure sense allows a student to perform algebraic tasks in more efficient ways and with fewer errors, so it is relevant to strengthen it. This article presents the results of a study whose objective was to develop the structure sense of university students, through the creation, implementation and testing of teaching-learning activities that, at the same time, achieve the development of skills to simplify and operate rational algebraic expressions. The activities were designed based on Variation Theory. Descriptors of the sense of structure were defined and weighted for comparison purposes. Evaluations were applied before and after the implementation of the activities, to four experimental groups and three control groups. A statistically higher structure sense level was observed in the experimental groups with respect to the control groups. This proved that it is possible to achieve a greater development of the sense of structure in students, through activities that include contrasts and variations chosen intentionally.