PROCEEDINGS OF THE 15TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON RESEARCH IN UNDERGRADUATE MATHEMATICS EDUCATION (Vol 2)
2012
Portland, Oregon
Small Group Discussion and Student Evaluation of Presented Proofs
Page: 2-1
Research has demonstrated that proof validation, the process of reading and reflecting on a proof to determine its correctness, is difficult for many mathematics majors. Rather than reading written proofs, however, students’ classroom experiences often involve presentations of proofs either by their instructor or by other students. In this study, we explore mathematics majors success in recognizing the validity of presented proofs. Participants watched videotaped proofs either at the beginning or at the end of a transition-to-proof course. After completing an initial evaluation of the proof, students discussed the proof in small groups and then evaluated the proof a second time. The impact of the course and the effect of the small group interaction will be discussed.