Effects of computer algebra system (CAS) with metacognitive training on mathematical reasoning

The main purpose of the present study was to investigate the differential effects of Computer Algebra Systems (CAS) and metacognitive training on mathematical reasoning. Participants were 83 students (boys and girls) who studied algebra in four eighth-grade classrooms randomly selected to four instructional methods: CAS embedded within metacognitive training (CAS +META), metacognitive training without CAS learning (META), CAS learning without metacognitive training (CAS) and CONT learning without CAS and metacognitive training (CONT). Results showed that the CAS +META condition significantly outperformed the META and the CAS conditions, who in turn significantly outperformed the CONT condition on aspects of mathematical reasoning. No significant differences were found between the META and CAS conditions. In addition, the study found that the metacognitive students (CAS +META and META conditions) outperformed their counterparts (CAS and CONT) on their metacognitive knowledge. This paper describes research whose main focus is the use of Computer Algebra Systems (CAS) in mathematics classrooms and the didactical possibilities based on the IMPROVE method linked with its use.