Resumo

AIRES, Ana Paula; CAMPOS, Helena  e  POCAS, Ricardo. Geomtric reasoning vs. definition of concepts: the definition of square with 6th grade students. Relime [online]. 2015, vol.18, n.2, pp.151-176. ISSN 2007-6819.  https://doi.org/10.12802/relime.13.1821.

Despite being considered a major issue, Geometry remains as a topic in which students still show many difficulties. In this paper, we analyzed how the square concept is displayed and presented to a sixth grade group. Based on van Hiele levels, the research allow us characterized the geometric reasoning of each student. The results indicate that the reasoning level reached by them is lower than the one we desire and need on in this phase of Geometry learning. Furthermore, in most of the cases, the square definition presented by them is based only on the consistency of the sides. Evidence shows too that students have difficulties on the geometrical properties hierarchy, a fact which the authors consider relevant for further research, whether in the field of possible causes, either in how to intervene in the classroom as well as on initial and continuous teachers training.

Palavras-chave : Geometric reasoning; Van Hiele levels; Geometric concepts; Definition; Square.