Abstract
The purpose of this study was to identify some of the characteristics
mathematicians value in good proof writing. Four mathematicians were
interviewed. First, they evaluated and scored six proofs of elementary theorems
written by students in a discrete mathematics or geometry course, and second,
they responded to questions about the characteristics they value in a well-written
proof and how they communicate these characteristics to students. Preliminary
results indicate that these mathematicians agreed that the most important
characteristics of a well-written proof are (a) correct logic and (b) clarity. Although
these mathematicians differed in the attention they give to layout, grammar,
punctuation, and mathematical notation, they agreed in giving these characteristics
relatively little weight in the overall score. The results also showed that, in addition
to demonstrating good proof writing in class, writing comments on students’ papers
is an important way they teach their students to write good proofs.
mathematicians value in good proof writing. Four mathematicians were
interviewed. First, they evaluated and scored six proofs of elementary theorems
written by students in a discrete mathematics or geometry course, and second,
they responded to questions about the characteristics they value in a well-written
proof and how they communicate these characteristics to students. Preliminary
results indicate that these mathematicians agreed that the most important
characteristics of a well-written proof are (a) correct logic and (b) clarity. Although
these mathematicians differed in the attention they give to layout, grammar,
punctuation, and mathematical notation, they agreed in giving these characteristics
relatively little weight in the overall score. The results also showed that, in addition
to demonstrating good proof writing in class, writing comments on students’ papers
is an important way they teach their students to write good proofs.
| Original language | American English |
|---|---|
| State | Published - Feb 28 2014 |
| Event | Conference on Research in Undergraduate Mathematics Education - Hyatt Regency Denver Tech Center Hotel, Denver, United States Duration: Feb 27 2014 → Mar 1 2014 Conference number: 17 http://sigmaa.maa.org/rume/crume2014/Home.html |
Conference
| Conference | Conference on Research in Undergraduate Mathematics Education |
|---|---|
| Abbreviated title | RUME |
| Country/Territory | United States |
| City | Denver |
| Period | 2/27/14 → 3/1/14 |
| Internet address |
Disciplines
- Mathematics