Epistemic Suitability of the Natural Number Meaning in Mexican Textbooks

Abstract

The purpose of the research is to assess the epistemic suitability of the natural number meaning in mathematics textbooks, corresponding to the first three grades of Primary Education in Mexico. For this, theoretical and methodological elements of the Onto-Semiotic Approach (OSA) are retaken. The reference meaning of the natural number is reconstructed, based on formal and informal use contexts, reported from the research. On the other hand, with the epistemic configuration tool, the intended meaning of the natural number in the mentioned textbooks is analyzed. The assessment of epistemic suitability is achieved by contrasting the meaning of reference with the intended meaning in textbooks. Some of the results show, for example, that in problem situations the meanings of: numerical, cardinal, operational, and symbolic sequence are promoted. The language addresses the verbal and symbolic representations of natural numbers up to four digits, the use of number tables, number lines and the use of different manipulative materials. And in the case of relationships, they emphasize the transit between the representations of the mathematical object. The above can be used in designs, didactic planning, and/or research.

Keywords:
Text Analysis; Natural Number; Epistemic Suitability; Primary Education