REASONING AND SENSE-

MAKING THROUGH THE USE OF

TECHNOLOGY IN MATHEMATICS
Edana Wilke
Mentor: Anna DeJarnette
Outline

Introduction
Importance
Methodology
Analysis
Conclusion
Thank you
Introduction

The objective of this research project is to describe the ways in which eighth-grade
students incorporate computer software into their mathematical reasoning and
problem solving in a classroom setting.
Students work in small groups as they use technology to solve mathematical
problem
The goal of this work is to understand how the use of technology shapes what it
means to know and do mathematics in middle grades.
Publish our literature
Importance

Reasoning and sense making skills that are developed in schools are for students to
use in the work force and in their everyday lives. Students should be able to apply
these skills throughout all disciplines.
Prepared work force and STEM fields
Technology use
Importance

My educational goal is to earn a Doctorate in Physics with research in physics

education
Mathematics plays a huge role in physics education
Allowed me to chose a project for my Capstone
Connected me with mentors
Gave me skills outside of the physics department
Methodology
Local Middle School
8th grade Geometry classroom
2 groups of 5
Laptops used during class
GeoGebra
2 lesson plans were implemented
Transformations
Triangles
4 days total
Recorded
Video and Audio
Transcribed
Analysis
Defining relevant variables and Interpreting a solution
conditions
Revisiting initial assumptions
Seeking patterns and relationships
Justifying or validating a solution
Looking for hidden structure
Refining arguments
Considering special cases
Generalizing a solution
Organizing a solution
Applying prior knowledge
Considering reasonableness of
Monitoring progress toward a
solution
solution
Making deductions
Making connections across
Comparing to another student different representations
Conclusion- An overview

Justifying a solution
Twice as many comments during triangle lesson (5% of turns) than
transformation lesson (2% of turns)
Triangle lesson required students to justify
Intersected with GeoGebra use
Students would drag their triangles to illustrate how the relationship between
the measurements and the triangle properties remained constant and
therefore use this as justification
Next
Finish interviews and publish literature
Thank you

UHP+Discover
Anna Dejarnette