Leveraging Cognitive Technology Tools to Expand Opportunities for Critical Thinking on Data Analysis and Probability in Elementary Classrooms

摘要

The following case studies describe technology-enhanced mathematics lessons in two diverse fifth and sixth grade classrooms at a Title I elementary school near the metropolitan area. The project's primary goal was to design tasks to both leverage technology and enhance access to critical thinking in mathematics, particularly with data analysis and probability concepts. This paper highlights the opportunities that technology-rich mathematics environments afford the teachers and the students in teaching and learning mathematics through critical thinking. In addition, the case studies illustrate how to design and implement mathematical tasks using technology to provide opportunities for higher mathematical thinking processes as defined by the Process Standards of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM, 2000): problem solving, connections, representations, communication, reasoning and proof.