Mobilização de funções executivas na resolução de tarefas envolvendo frações

Abstract

This Master's research in Mathematics Teaching aimed to investigate the Mobilization of Executive Functions in the Resolution of Tasks Involving Fractions, seeking to answer the following questions: which Executive Functions (EF) are mobilized by 7th-grade elementary school students in the resolution of fraction tasks, and how are these EF mobilized? Qualitative in nature, the study was conducted in a 7th-grade class at a public school in the city of Três Lagoas-MS, using written records and audio recordings of student interactions, organized in groups to solve the tasks. The research development took place in four stages: initially, fraction-related tasks were selected; next, these tasks were applied to students, who solved them both individually and in groups under the guidance of the teacher-researcher; subsequently, the presented solutions were analyzed, followed by a collective discussion in the classroom; finally, the Mobilization of Executive Functions in solving these tasks was highlighted. The investigation results indicate that, when solving problems involving fractions, students mobilize various Executive Functions, with inhibitory control, working memory, and cognitive flexibility being the most prominent. In addition to the academic analysis, the research led to the development of an Educational Product designed to contribute not only to the learning of fraction content but also to the development of cognitive skills essential for mathematical learning. This material was structured as a practical resource to assist teachers in the classroom, fostering the Mobilization of Executive Functions in activities involving fractions.