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Mathematical practices in a technological workplace: the role of tools

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Abstract

This paper investigates the role of tools in the formation of mathematical practices and the construction of mathematical meanings in the setting of a telecommunication organization through the actions undertaken by a group of technicians in their working activity. The theoretical and analytical framework is guided by the first-generation activity theory model and Leont’ev’s work on the three-tiered explanation of activity. Having conducted a 1-year ethnographic research study, we identified, classified, and correlated the tools that mediated the technicians’ activity, and we studied the mathematical meanings that emerged. A systemic network was generated, presenting the categories of tools such as mathematical (communicative, processes, and concepts) and non-mathematical (physical and written texts). This classification was grounded on data from three central actions of the technicians’ activity, while the constant interrelation and association of these tools during the working process addressed the mathematical practices and supported the construction of mathematical meanings that this group developed from the researchers’ perspective. Technicians’ emerging mathematical meanings referred to place value, spatial, and algebraic relations and were expressed through personal algorithms and metaphorical and metonymic reasoning. Finally, the educational implications of the findings are discussed.

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Acknowledgments

This manuscript is based on the first author’s dissertation research in the Education Department at the University of Patras. The authors wish to thank Jeff Evans for his insights and suggestions and all the anonymous reviewers for making positive and useful comments on earlier versions of this manuscript. Finally, we are grateful to all the technicians in the Greek Telecommunication Organization for giving us the chance to carry out this research.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Education, University of Patras, 26110, Patras, Greece

    Chrissavgi Triantafillou

  2. Department of Mathematics, University of Athens, 15701, Zographou, Athens, Greece

    Despina Potari

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  1. Chrissavgi Triantafillou
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  2. Despina Potari
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Correspondence to Chrissavgi Triantafillou.

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Triantafillou, C., Potari, D. Mathematical practices in a technological workplace: the role of tools. Educ Stud Math 74, 275–294 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10649-010-9237-6

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