Figure 2: Comparison of length of dialogues Figure 3: phase model
A lot of spontaneous substantial dialogues concerning mathematical argumentation
and reasoning occurred in both classes. In the self-explanation prompt class these
dialogues are distributed among worked-out-example periods and self-explanation
prompt periods. Figure 2 shows a comparison of the length of substantial dialogues
during the processing of worked-out-examples and self-explanation prompts.
These facts give hints for the assumption that self-explanation prompts can foster the
appearance of content-related dialogues. At this point the structure of the dialogues is
analysed, especially how many occurrences of self-explanations and acts of mathematical
reasoning could be observed. Results and examples of this analysis will be
presented.
To get insight into the content of the dialogues a comparison of the total number of
markers in the categories concerning metacognition, self-explanation and mathematical
reasoning was conducted. An extraction of the ways how students worked with
the different examples allows the construction of a phase model to structure that
process (Figure 3). In more than 90% of the cases the processing of the worked-out
examples and the self-explanation prompts fit into this linear progress. For a detailed
analysis the different markers were attributed to the 6 sections of this model. Results of
the marker analysis and examples of transcripts will be shown in the presentation.
DISCUSSION
This paper demonstrates the role of animated worked-out examples and
self-explanation prompts with regard to process competencies such as reasoning and
communicating. With regard to the research questions first answers can be stated. The
results give evidence to the fact that mathematical reasoning-processes occur
spontaneously during the work with interactive animated worked-out examples.
Furthermore, it outlines the perspective of animated worked-out examples as elements
of individual learning environments. From previous analysed video data it can be
Salle
PME 37 - 2013 4 - 143
assumed that contents of the enunciated dialogues and reasoning activities refer to
central concepts of fractions. Particularly, self-explanation prompts structure the
processing of the worked-out examples and let the students discuss and focus on key
concepts of a task, even during the writing of the answers to the prompts.
The complex design of the present study and the small number of subjects do not allow
quantitative statements about the relation of animated worked-out examples,
self-explanation prompts and learning outcomes. However, qualitative data offer a
detailed view on this relation and the learning process. On-going analyses shall
sharpen this view and identify archetypes of reasoning- and argumentation- behaviour.
Altogether, the results show that animated worked-out examples accompanied with
prompts can serve as useful elements