Proof evaluation tasks as tools for teaching?

Kirsten Pfeiffer (1) , Rachel Quinlan (1)

1 NUI Galway - National University of Ireland [Galway]

This article reports on our experience, arising from an earlier research study, of incorporating proof evaluation tasks into a university mathematics curriculum. In particular , we discuss a task in which students were asked to evaluate and rank five different proposed proofs of a statement from elementary linear algebra. The students' responses to this task prompted rich learning opportunities on the nature and functions of mathematical proofs, as well as revealing some interesting features of their thinking. We argue that proof evaluation tasks can afford rich learning opportunities as well as enabling novice students to participate in authentic mathematical practice.

Mots clés: Proof; proof evaluation; curriculum

Domaines: Education; Histoire et perspectives sur les mathématiques [math.HO]

Kirsten Pfeiffer, Rachel Quinlan. Proof evaluation tasks as tools for teaching?. CERME 9 - Ninth Congress of the European Society for Research in Mathematics Education, Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Education; ERME, Feb 2015, Prague, Czech Republic. pp.178-184. ⟨hal-01281065⟩