PME-NA

"It is always a quandry": Uncertainty (d)iscourse in the proof classroom

• In Event: Proof and Reasoning

Description

This study explores how uncertainty discourse can shift the culture of proof classrooms by addressing the question: What expanded “truths” (Discourses) about proof were evidenced from students’ uncertainty discourse? We identified uncertainty discourse (e.g., hedges, disclaimers) as a group of students engaged in a proof construction task during an introduction to proof course. Our analysis demonstrated how a group of students regularly showcased uncertainty (d)iscourse when they debated whether to include “N+1 is an integer” in their proof. More importantly, we argued this uncertainty (d)iscourse has the potential to transform the problematic (D)iscourse that proofs are written linearly without flaws or questions.

Authors

• Tenchita Alzaga Elizondo, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

• Kristen Vroom, Michigan State University

• Brittney Ellis, Texas State University