Abstract

STAUFFER, Sandra; SOLARES, Diana  and  BROITMAN, Claudia. Computational estimation: A study with 5th grade primary students. Educ. mat. [online]. 2020, vol.32, n.2, pp.151-171.  Epub Nov 06, 2021. ISSN 2448-8089.  https://doi.org/10.24844/em3202.06.

In this article, we present the results of a study regarding the teaching of estimative calculation for multiplication and division. The preliminary analysis enabled the enumeration and analysis of the variety of the problems in different sources. Using their variations as a starting point, we designed a sequence of 14 lessons for the 5th grade of primary school. The study focused on the knowledge of the students, the didactic interventions and the interaction during class. This work documents and analyzes the difficulties faced by the students and the procedures used-correct or incorrect-when they solve problems that involve the anticipation of whether a quotient will be higher, lower or equal to that one of another calculation given. The theoretical frame-work to design and analyze the sequence was the Theory of Didactic Situations (Brousseau, 2007) and the methodology of Didactic Engineering (Artigue, 1998) The aim of this work is not only contribute to the teaching of estimative calculation but also the developing of new didactic investigations.

Keywords : Computational estimation; multiplicative problems; didactic sequence; Theory of Didactical Situations; primary school.