Developing the onto-semiotic analysis competence of prospective mathematics teachers

Abstract

A suitable mathematics teaching requires the teachers’ knowledge and competence for identifying the variety of objects and meanings involved in solving school tasks. This article describes the design, implementation and retrospective analysis of a formative cycle directed to prospective mathematics teachers, which is focused on developing this onto-semiotic analysis competence. For this, some theoretical and methodological tools of the Onto-Semiotic Approach to mathematical knowledge and instruction are used. In this experience, the prospective teachers first solve some visualisation and diagrammatic reasoning mathematical tasks, and then analyse the objects and meanings put at stake in the resolution of each implemented task. In addition, the strategies that students produce in their solutions are discussed and shared in whole-class setting. The data analysis is qualitative oriented to identify significant didactical practices about the initial state of students’ personal meaning, recognition of conflicts, and progress in developing the intended onto-semiotic analysis competence. For this purpose, the students’ written responses, observer researcher’s notes, and audio recordings on the class are used as a data collection instrument. The results reveal the complexity involved in developing this onto-semiotic analysis competence, as well as its relevance to achieve high quality mathematics teaching. Finally, the retrospective analysis of the formative design carried out allows the teacher, and researcher reflecting on each of factors that condition the teaching processes, and thus determining potential improvements for future implementations.