The Action of Signs and the Students' Knowledge in Mathematical Modeling Activities

Abstract

This article aims to discuss the relationship between the action and the production of signs in mathematical modeling activities and the knowledge of students. To delimit the object of analysis, we discuss the concept taken up by Peirce throughout his work: semiosis. Considering factors relating to the understanding of mathematical modeling and light aspects of Peirce's theory, we look at the development of a modeling activity performed by students in a chemistry course during CDI classes. The analysis of the action and production of signs in the activity indicates that the semiosis as an action that involves sign, object, and interpretant is not limited. Instead, this action and production revealed that the phenomenon and mathematics are inseparable and that seems to be set up as a network in which signs are produced or driven by knowledge and generate new knowledge. In this network, we can characterize a structure that combines mathematical knowledge, knowledge of the problem under study, and technological knowledge.

Keywords:
Mathematical Modeling; Semiotics; Knowledge