Mathematical reasoning outside the classroom – A case study with primary school students solving math trail tasks
Abstract
Research findings underline the potentials of outdoor mathematics – leaving the classroom presents the students with every-day situations in which they can apply mathematics. By example, a math trail guides students along a path with several mathematical tasks to be solved on-site, e.g. by measuring or counting. Apart from long-term learning benefits and motivational aspects, it remains unclear how this form of experiential learning involves fundamental mathematics working methods and competences, i.e. mathematical reasoning. In this article, the method and results of a case study with 15 primary school students are presented concerning the frequency and qualitative use of mathematical reasoning during a math trail with eight different mathematical tasks from the areas of arithmetic, combinatory and geometry. The results show that reasoning is involved in the students’ solution processes, mainly in developing a solution plan and in geometry tasks, i.e. for estimations.
Origin : Files produced by the author(s)