Mathematical reasoning in elementary school: Actions of two teachers when discussing tasks with their students

Abstract

This paper presents the results of an investigation into mathematical reasoning, specifically about the actions of teachers to enhance it. The objective was to identify, categorize, and discuss the actions performed by two teachers during the discussion of exploratory tasks solved in two classes of the 1stCycle of Basic Education, a 1stgrade and a 3rdgrade class of a public school near Lisbon. Data were collected through participant observation supported by audio and video recording of the classes. After transcription, data were analyzed in four categories of teacher actions: invite; guide/support; inform/suggest, and challenge. Data analysis concerns that the actions carried out by the teachers in whole class discussions favored the student's processes of conjecture formulation, comparison, identification of patterns, and justification. The results achieved by this study provide evidence to the relevance of the teachers' actions for the development of mathematical reasoning since the early years.