To whom do we speak when we teach proofs?
Résumé
We assess rhetorical aspects of the flow of proof, a notion that encapsulates various aspects of classroom presentation of proof, proposing Perelman’s New Rhetoric (PNR) as a theoretical framework. We present findings from semi-structured interviews conducted with experienced mathematics lecturers, who were asked to reflect about general features and pedagogical considerations of mathematical proofs by relating to two proofs of the ‘Two Pancakes theorem’. We focus on PNR’s concept of audience and argue that lecturers generally address two types of audience, particular and universal, when teaching proofs and need to balance between the requirements of each audience. We conclude that PNR is suitable to capture this inherent tension in teaching proofs.
Origine : Fichiers produits par l'(les) auteur(s)
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