In this paper we present some reflections, in the light of Peircean Semiotics, on the possibility of introducing into classroom, activities that signal the potential to develop different reasoning modes and different cognitive actions in students. We started working with the theoretical assumptions of semiotics in relation to the modes of inference abduction, deduction and induction and Mathematical Modeling as a pedagogical alternative. Aiming to investigate the relationships among cognitive actions highlighted in modeling activities and modes of inference, we analyzed a modeling activity developed by students of a course in Mathematics. From this analysis we conclude that the modes of inference activated in this activity are associated with cognitive actions of students during the transitions between the different stages of development activity
Mathematics education; Mathematical modeling; Semiotics; Cognition
