Aspects of Probabilistic Thinking and Reasoning With the Use of Computer Simulation

Abstract

This work discusses the application of an activity as a didactic tool for approaching the concept of probability by confronting its classic and frequentist approaches. The activity takes place in a continuing education course for mathematics teachers who work in basic education. Research in the teaching-learning area of probability has highlighted the need for teachers to be better prepared for classroom work, with activities that can promote the development of probabilistic thinking and reasoning. In this study a qualitative case study research method is used. Among the conclusions, we found that the didactic situations we constructed allowed teachers to improve their knowledge, thus enabling them to recognize important elements for developing probabilistic thinking and reasoning.