A Study Of Senior High School Students' Proof Conceptions In Algebra

The study include three problems:(1) Criteria used in evaluating argument; (2)Cognitive difficulties in understanding mathematical proof,(3) Ability in constructing proof.In this study, we can draw some conclusions.(1)Students mainly use three criteria in evaluating arguments. The first is familiar methods. The second is valid deduction. The third is sufficient details,(2)Students can understand the generality about mathematical proof. But they don't agree on using counterexamples,(3)In research we find, students can use mathematical language and symbol in proving. They can prove some unsophisticated problems. They have difficulties in proving complicated problems. It includes, the students don't really know the definition; the students started proofs with the wrong assumption rather than focus on the conclusion of proposition they are trying to prove, the students are lack in analyzing and synthesizing on condition and conclusion, the students lack the key step in justifying. the students can't use a visual representation in explaining problems, the students also can't use counterexamples to overthrow a proposition.In the end, some advices are given.