Reasoning and Proving in Mathematics Textbooks Across the Grades

Session Submission Type: Symposium

Abstract

This symposium will feature presentations of research into the opportunities to learn (OTL) about mathematical reasoning and proving in mathematics textbooks for elementary through undergraduate levels. The focus of this symposium is timely given the recent attention on the nationwide adoption of the Common Core Standards for Mathematics (CCSSI, 2010) in the United States, which recommends that practices such as generating and critiquing mathematical arguments become central features of school mathematics across grades K-12. The presentations will address the feasibility of implementing such recommendations by discussing analyses of reasoning and proving tasks in elementary and secondary textbooks, as well as the opportunities pre-service teachers have to learn about reasoning and proving in textbooks for prospective teachers’ mathematics content courses.

Sub Unit

• SIG-Research in Mathematics Education

Chair

• Denisse R. Thompson, University of South Florida

Papers

• Reasoning and Proving Opportunities in Elementary Mathematics Textbooks - Kristen Bieda, Michigan State University; Justin Drwencke, Michigan State University; Andrew William Picard, Michigan State University

• Reasoning and Proving in Textbooks: The Case of High School Geometry - Lorraine Marie Males, University of Nebraska - Lincoln; Samuel Otten, University of Missouri - Columbia

• Reasoning and Proving in Algebra: Two Secondary Reform-Oriented Mathematics Textbook Units - Jon D. Davis, Western Michigan University; Dustin O. Smith, Western Michigan University; Abhik R. Roy, Western Michigan University

• Reasoning and Proving in Textbooks for Future Elementary Teachers - Raven S. McCrory, Michigan State University; Andreas J. Stylianides, University of Cambridge

Discussant

• Gabriel J. Stylianides, University of Oxford