Technology as a Support for Proof and Argumentation: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

Proof and argumentation are essential components of learning mathematics, and technology can mediate students’ abilities to learn. This systematic literature review synthesizes empirical literature which examines technology as a support for proof and argumentation across all content domains. The themes of this review are revealed through analyzing articles related to Geometry and mathematical content domains different from Geometry. Within the Geometry literature, five subthemes are discussed: (1) empirical and theoretical interplay in dynamic geometry environments (DGEs), (2) justifying constructions using DGEs, (3) comparing technological and non-technological environments, (4) student processing in a DGE, and (5) intelligent tutor systems. Within the articles related to content different from Geometry, two subthemes are discussed: technological supports for number systems/algebra and technological supports for calculus/real analysis. The technological supports for proof revealed in this review could aid future research and practice in developing new strategies to mediate students’ understandings of proof.