A mobilização das idéias básicas do conceito de função por crianças da 4ª série do ensino fundamental em situações-problema de estruturas aditivas e/ou multiplicativas

Abstract

The research has as the goal to investigate whether children in the 4th grade of elementary school recognize and mobilize elements of the Field Conceptual Function (such as variable, dependence, correspondence, regularity and generalization) in resolving problem-situations of additive and / or multiplicative structures. The main approach is based on the Theory of Conceptual Fields, by Gerard Vergnaud. The research methodology adopted was the Piagetian Clinical Method having as tool different situation-problems of the additive and multiplicative conceptual field involving basic ideas of the concept of function. Analyzing the results we have seen various schemes used by children in the resolution of situation-problems and identify possible theorems-in-action investigated from oral or gestural manifestation of children and by the record in situation-problems. Results showed that the subjects of this research recognize and mobilize, even intuitively; these elements indicate that the basic ideas involved in the concept of function can and should be worked on the first stage of basic education, to be promoted, later, extensions of the conceptual field.