Gestures Between Collaborators Can Signal Cognitive Shifts in Mathematical Reasoning

• In Event: Friday Roundtable Session 7:45 am
  In Roundtable Session: Supporting Cognitive Shifts in Mathematics Education (Table 8)

Abstract

Geometry is challenging because of the advanced reasoning needed for producing mathematically valid proofs. Multiple avenues of research have explored the role of gestures in mathematical reasoning and proof production. Gestures also can reveal nonverbal ways of knowing and help signal cognitive shifts, where speakers signal significant changes in their thinking through movement before they can convey those shifts in words. People often gesture more during collaboration as they strive to be understood. Two case studies describe how gestures during collaborative proof production reveal students’ cognitive shifts during proof production. This contributes to the scientific understanding of the embodied nature of mathematical reasoning and the educational value of attending to students’ nonverbal ways of knowing to assess advanced mathematical reasoning.

Authors

• Leslie Yuqui, Bloomfield College

• Doy Kim, University of Wisconsin - Madison

• Michael I. Swart, University of Wisconsin - Madison

• Mitchell J. Nathan, University of Wisconsin - Madison

• Candace A. Walkington, Southern Methodist University