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Knowledge Resource

Research Summary: Making mathematical reasoning visible: a qualitative comparative case study of students’ reasoning, representation, and communication

Original authors
Attribution requires verification
Original source
Frontiers in Education
Summary & Analysis prepared by
Aziz Shuaib Ausi
Resource type
Research Summary / Knowledge Resource
Resource published on AZIZ OS
26 September 2026
Reading time
1 min
Publication type
Knowledge Resource
Availability
Open access
About this Summary & Analysis

AZIZ OS provides independently prepared summaries and analytical interpretations of externally published research and knowledge sources. The underlying works remain attributable to their original authors and rights holders. This resource is intended to improve accessibility and understanding and does not replace the original publication.

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A qualitative comparative case study examined how secondary school students' mathematical reasoning, use of representations, and communication are externalized during problem-solving, even when solutions are correct. The research aimed to make visible the differences in these competencies as students engage with non-routine algebraic problems.

Why it matters

Understanding how individuals externalize their reasoning and problem-solving approaches is critical for effective knowledge transfer and skill development within any domain. This insight can inform the design of learning environments, training programs, and assessment methods that better capture and cultivate foundational competencies.

Key insights

  • Mathematical reasoning and communication are central goals in contemporary mathematics education.
  • Qualitative evidence regarding the externalization of reasoning and communication during problem-solving is limited.
  • The study investigated how reasoning, representation use, and engagement modes become visible during problem-solving, even for correct solutions.
  • A qualitative comparative case study design was used, focusing on three secondary school students.
  • Students were observed solving a non-routine algebraic problem designed to elicit representational transitions and justification.
  • Data was collected from written solution artifacts and follow-up semi-structured interviews.

Source

Frontiers in Education — https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1884096

Citation

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Verification

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Verification ID
ASA-EXE-2026-00931
Version
v1.0 · r0
Issued
26 September 2026
Resource prepared by
Aziz Shuaib Ausi
Resource status
Research Summary / Knowledge Resource
Underlying work
Making mathematical reasoning visible: a qualitative comparative case study of students’ reasoning, representation, and communication
Original authors
Attribution requires verification
Original source
Frontiers in Education
Provenance status
Attribution requires verification
Rights
Underlying publication rights remain with the respective copyright holder(s). Refer to the original source for authoritative publication and licensing information.

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