This article deals with an introduction of probability at school through sensory modalities. This approach is based on sampling fluctuation with empirical observations of frequencies. Initially, we analyze how students from high school work on such a task by using dice, pencil, and paper. We then identify the use of schemas and data visualization…

In this article, we use a case study to explore the views of first-year university students on the differences between mathematics at school and at university, and on the changes to their study methods as they make the transition to university mathematics. We also consider their views on the differences and affordances of tasks that they encounter…

The complementary use of the theories of instrumental genesis and shifts of attention enabled me to obtain insights into students' understandings of the concepts of eigenvector and eigenvalue. My analysis suggests that the use of different dragging modalities can provide evidence of shifts in structure of a student's attention and consequently can…

This article discusses an activity designed to encourage writing to learn in mathematics. There were three stages of data collection. An assessment, requiring basic algebra only, was completed by 118 undergraduates from statistics and calculus courses. Students were given summaries of all participant responses, along with the correct answers.…

This article presents a study done in an elementary mathematics methods course that focused on the transition of novice teachers' epistemological stances: former elementary student, university student, and teacher stances. In order to help them develop the teacher stance, we designed a three-phase activity, where two phases took place inside…

This study is based on our belief that mathematics should be challenging in any classroom and that mathematical challenge is among the central factors that determine the quality of mathematics lessons. Choosing challenging mathematical problem for the students is central in teachers' work while their conception of mathematical challenge can…

Investigates the effects of inquiry activities on a dynamic geometry environment designed to confront students with contradictions and uncertainties. Characterizes epistemological, didactic, and cognitive aspects of the activities. Analyzes the interplay among these three aspects, students' investigations, and their explanations. (Author/KHR)