Understanding cultural aspects of argumentation and proof: A case study of Pythagorean theorem in a Japanese classroom
Résumé
The purpose of this study is to reveal the cultural aspects of argumentation and proof in a Japanese classroom introducing Pythagorean theorem to grade 9 students. We delineate a perspective that posits the proof has three aspects, ‘structure’, ‘language’, and ‘function’, to characterise proof and proving in a classroom and better explain its cultural specificities. The results of a case study showed some characteristic features of proof and proving; for instance, the emphasis on the ‘if-then’ form of the statement to be proven, argumentative structure in the propositional logic, written proof with few ordinary words, the explanatory role of oral proving, and the lack of argumentative activity. Potentials and perspectives towards international comparisons are also discussed.
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