Making mathematics together by modeling shared experiences

Abstract

IntroductionThis article illustrates a pedagogical approach to integrating models and modeling in Geometry with mathematics teacher-learners (MTLs). It analyzes the work of MTLs in a course titled “Computers, Teaching, and Mathematical Visualization” (or “MathViz”), which is designed to engage MTLs in making mathematics together. They use a range of both physical and virtual models of 2-manifolds to formulate and investigate geometric conjectures of their own.ObjectivesThe article articulates the theoretical basis and design rationale of MathViz; it analyzes illustrative examples of the discourse produced in collaborative investigations; and it describes the impact of this approach in the students’ own voices.MethodsMathViz has been iteratively refined and researched over the past 6 years. This study focuses on one iteration, aiming to capture the phenomenological experience of the MTLs as they structured and pursued their own mathematical investigations. Video data from two class sessions of the Fall 2021 iteration of the course are analyzed to illustrate the discourse of collaborating students and the nature of their shared inquiry. Excerpts from this class’s Learning Journals are then analyzed to capture themes across students’ experience of the course and their perspectives on its impact.ResultsAnalysis of students’ discourse (while investigating cones) shows how they used models and gesture to make sense of geometric phenomena; forged connections with investigations they had conducted throughout the course on different surfaces; and articulated and proved mathematical conjectures of their own. Analysis of students’ Learning Journals illustrates how experiences in MathViz contributed to their conceptualization of making mathematics together, using a variety of models and technologies, and developing a set of practices that that they could introduce with their future students.DiscussionAn argument is made that this approach to collective mathematical investigation is not only viable and valuable for MTLs, but is also relevant to philosophical reflections about the nature of mathematical knowledge-creation.