Abstract

FAVERO, Maria Helena  and  OLIVEIRA, Denise de. The construction of logical numerical system by a child with Down Syndrome. Educ. Rev. [online]. 2004, n.23, pp.65-85. ISSN 0104-4060.

Our research was focused on the development of logical-mathematical structures and, particularly, on the construction of the logic of the numerical system, through a case study, involving a subject who suffers from Down Syndrome. We have collected data during three moments. First, we evaluated the mathematical competencies and difficulties of the subject. Next, we developed a series of sessions, which were recorded on video. We evaluated the videos thoroughly, making the subject’s sequence of actions explicit, clarifying the meaning of these actions in relation to the acquisition of conceptual structures and identifying the importance of mediation for the process. Finally, we reevaluated the subject. The results have indicated that the subject’s cognitive development follows the stages described by Piaget, being harmonious, repetitive and time demanding; each stage will only evolve through an appropriate mediation of the environment. Moreover, we have also observed the subject’s concern about giving the answer that was supposedly correct. The psychopedagogical intervention has favored the subject with the construction of new cognitive structures and the amplification of these structures into competencies as a means to use them in problem-solving situations. We have also verified a global modification of the subject’s logical reasoning and the development of metacognitive reasoning. We can say that the psychopedagogical intervention may be used as a valuable research method, for it favors the identification of specific developmental particularities of the process of knowledge acquisition.

Keywords : Cognitive Development; Logical-Mathematical Structures; Down Syndrome.

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