Skip to main content
Article
Developing proof comprehension and proof by contradiction through logical outlines
21st Annual Conference on Research in Undergraduate Mathematics Education (2018)
  • Darryl Chamberlain, Jr., University of Florida
  • Draga Vidakovic, Georgia State University
Abstract
Proof is central to the curriculum for undergraduate mathematics majors. Despite transition-to-proof courses designed to facilitate the shift from computation-based mathematics to proof-based mathematics, students continue to struggle with mathematical proof. In particular, there are few tasks beyond writing proofs that are specifically designed to develop students’ understanding of the proofs they read and the proof methods they utilize. The purpose of this paper is to introduce and discuss the merits of two such tasks: constructing and comparing logical outlines of presented proofs. Grounded in APOS Theory, this paper will illustrate a case study that suggests students can improve their understanding of the proofs they read as well as a particular proof method - proof by contradiction – through these two tasks.
Keywords
  • Proof Comprehension,
  • Proof by Contradiction,
  • Transition-to-Proof Course,
  • APOS Theory
Publication Date
February 22, 2018
Citation Information
Darryl Chamberlain and Draga Vidakovic. "Developing proof comprehension and proof by contradiction through logical outlines" 21st Annual Conference on Research in Undergraduate Mathematics Education (2018)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/darryl-chamberlain/10/