TR
EN
Investigating the relationship between argumentative reasoning and generalization in fourth-grade mathematical writing
Abstract
This study explores the relationship between argumentative reasoning and generalization in mathematical writing among fourth-grade students. Conducted with 289 participants, the research involved a writing task where students were required to understand and articulate the validity of a given solution strategy. Additionally, they needed to determine whether the methods or strategies used in the provided examples could be applied to other problems. Analysis of the students’ work revealed that 37.7% demonstrated argumentative reasoning, while 56% successfully generalized strategies to different contexts. Statistical analysis indicated a moderately positive and significant correlation between argumentative reasoning and generalization. These findings suggest that students who are able to reason argumentatively are more likely to generalize problem-solving strategies, highlighting the interconnection between these cognitive skills. The study underscores the importance of instructional approaches that simultaneously foster reasoning and generalization abilities, as enhancing one skill may positively influence the other, thereby supporting the development of effective mathematical writing. These results contribute to the literature by providing evidence of these processes in young learners.
Keywords
References
- Bangert-Drowns, R. L., Hurley, M. M., & Wilkinson, B. (2004). The Effects of School-Based Writing-to-Learn Interventions on Academic Achievement: A Meta-Analysis. Review of Educational Research, 74(1), 29–58. https://doi.org/10.3102/00346543074001029
- Bozkurt, A., & Polat, S. (2018). Öğrencilerin matematiksel düşüncelerini ortaya çıkarmaya yönelik öğretmen sorularının incelenmesi. Türk Bilgisayar ve Matematik Eğitimi Dergisi, 9(1), 72–96. https://doi.org/10.16949/TURKBILMAT.337419
- Bryman, A. (2016). Social research methods. Oxford university press.
- Buehl, M. M., Alexander, P. A., Murphy, P. K., & Sperl, C. T. (2001). Profiling Persuasion: The Role of Beliefs, Knowledge, and Interest in the Processing of Persuasive Texts That Vary by Argument Structure. Journal of Literacy Research, 33(2), 269–301. https://doi.org/10.1080/10862960109548112
- Bywater, J. P., Lilly, S., & Chiu, J. L. (2023). Examining technology-supported teacher responding and students’ written mathematical explanations. Journal of Mathematics Teacher Education, 26(6), 785–807. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10857-022-09546-3
- Callejo, M. L., & Zapatera, A. (2017). Prospective primary teachers’ noticing of students’ understanding of pattern generalization. Journal of Mathematics Teacher Education, 20(4), 309–333. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10857-016-9343-1
- Casa, T., Firmender, J., Cahill, J., Cardetti, F., Choppin, J., Cohen, J., & Zawodniak, R. (2016). Types and purposes for elementary mathematical writing: Task force recommendations. Retrieved from Http://Mathwriting.Education.Uconn.Edu.
- Cohen, L., Manion, L., & Morrison, K. (2011). Research methods in education (7th ed.). Routledge.
Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Classroom Education
Journal Section
Research Article
Authors
Publication Date
October 31, 2025
Submission Date
August 15, 2024
Acceptance Date
September 5, 2025
Published in Issue
Year 2025 Number: 76
APA
Ergan, S. N. (2025). Investigating the relationship between argumentative reasoning and generalization in fourth-grade mathematical writing. Mehmet Akif Ersoy University Journal of Education Faculty, 76, 16-28. https://doi.org/10.21764/maeuefd.1534068
AMA
1.Ergan SN. Investigating the relationship between argumentative reasoning and generalization in fourth-grade mathematical writing. Mehmet Akif Ersoy University Journal of Education Faculty. 2025;(76):16-28. doi:10.21764/maeuefd.1534068
Chicago
Ergan, Saniye Nur. 2025. “Investigating the Relationship Between Argumentative Reasoning and Generalization in Fourth-Grade Mathematical Writing”. Mehmet Akif Ersoy University Journal of Education Faculty, nos. 76: 16-28. https://doi.org/10.21764/maeuefd.1534068.
EndNote
Ergan SN (October 1, 2025) Investigating the relationship between argumentative reasoning and generalization in fourth-grade mathematical writing. Mehmet Akif Ersoy University Journal of Education Faculty 76 16–28.
IEEE
[1]S. N. Ergan, “Investigating the relationship between argumentative reasoning and generalization in fourth-grade mathematical writing”, Mehmet Akif Ersoy University Journal of Education Faculty, no. 76, pp. 16–28, Oct. 2025, doi: 10.21764/maeuefd.1534068.
ISNAD
Ergan, Saniye Nur. “Investigating the Relationship Between Argumentative Reasoning and Generalization in Fourth-Grade Mathematical Writing”. Mehmet Akif Ersoy University Journal of Education Faculty. 76 (October 1, 2025): 16-28. https://doi.org/10.21764/maeuefd.1534068.
JAMA
1.Ergan SN. Investigating the relationship between argumentative reasoning and generalization in fourth-grade mathematical writing. Mehmet Akif Ersoy University Journal of Education Faculty. 2025;:16–28.
MLA
Ergan, Saniye Nur. “Investigating the Relationship Between Argumentative Reasoning and Generalization in Fourth-Grade Mathematical Writing”. Mehmet Akif Ersoy University Journal of Education Faculty, no. 76, Oct. 2025, pp. 16-28, doi:10.21764/maeuefd.1534068.
Vancouver
1.Saniye Nur Ergan. Investigating the relationship between argumentative reasoning and generalization in fourth-grade mathematical writing. Mehmet Akif Ersoy University Journal of Education Faculty. 2025 Oct. 1;(76):16-28. doi:10.21764/maeuefd.1534068