Transformations of the Concept of Linear Function in Technological High Schools

Abstract

The results shown in the following chapter come from a research that shows some of the transformations of the concept of linear function observed from its definition in mathematics when facing the written, intended and enacted curriculum. This study was developed in technological high school level, with the participation of three teachers of mathematics, who were teaching the course called Functions and Algebraic Thinking. A case study was considered as a practical research method to carry out the investigation, adopting various processes to gather evidence to describe, verify or create theory. Different sources of evidence were used to gather and analyze information, such as: the official program of the course, three textbooks, class recordings and the application of a questionnaire. The results show transformations in both, the concept of function and the concept of linear function, pointing out, in this way, an educational problem that should be solved by modifying not only the concept, but also the teaching and learning of it.