The definition of the scalar product: an analysis and critique of a classroom episode

Foster, Colin and de Villiers, Michael (2015) The definition of the scalar product: an analysis and critique of a classroom episode. International Journal of Mathematical Education in Science and Technology, 47 (5). pp. 750-761. ISSN 1464-5211

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Abstract

In this paper we present, analyse and critique an episode from a secondary school lesson involving an introduction to the definition of the scalar product. Although the teacher attempted to be explicit about the difference between a definition and a theorem, emphasizing that a definition was just an arbitrary assumption, a student rejected the teacher’s definition in favour of his own alternative. With reference to this particular case, we seek to explore some ways in which teachers can introduce mathematical definitions to students so as to support, rather than attempt to circumvent, their mathematical sense making. In this regard, we believe that it is important to develop learning opportunities for students that help them to gain some appreciation of important structural and historical reasons that underpin the definitional choices made.

Item Type: Article
RIS ID: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/769679
Keywords: Definitions, scalar product, mathematics
Schools/Departments: University of Nottingham, UK > Faculty of Social Sciences > School of Education
Identification Number: https://doi.org/10.1080/0020739X.2015.1117148
Depositing User: Foster, Dr Colin
Date Deposited: 04 Nov 2015 09:18
Last Modified: 04 May 2020 17:27
URI: https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/id/eprint/30635

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