Abstract:

This study occurs in the context of the HUMAT research project: "Humor in mathematics Teaching" (Menezes et al, 2016). Thus, this study intends to understand the role that mathematical tasks, based on humorous situations, inserted in an inquiry-based mathematics teaching, have in the learning of mathematics, at two levels:
(i) development of mathematical communication; and
(ii) development of mathematical knowledge.

In order to reach this goal, six mathematical tasks, based on humorous cartoons about mathematics (Martin, 2007; Menezes et a, 2017, 2018; Meyer, 2015), were applied in a fourth year class: Students worked in pairs in their resolutions. The work done by the students was then discussed collectively.

The research adopted a qualitative methodology. The data collected comes from audio recordings and written student resolutions.
The results reveal that the humorous mathematical tasks have captured students' attention to the learning of mathematics. The students were able to understand the humorous situations of the cartoons, having used their mathematical knowledge, and developing it. The communication was developed, having the students produced written texts with enough clarity, resorting to mathematical concepts. In orally, they were able to discuss the resolutions about mathematical humor of their colleagues, following the reasonings presented.

References:
[1] Martin, R. (2007). The psychology of humor An integrative approach. London: Elsevier Academic Press.
[2] Menezes, L., Gomes, H., Ribeiro, A., Martins, A. P., Flores, P., Viseu, F., Oliveira, A., Matos, I. A., Balula, J. P., & Delplancq, V. (2017). Humor no ensino da Matemática: Tarefas para a sala de aula. Viseu: ESE -IPV.
[3] Menezes, L., Gomes, H., Ribeiro, A., Martins, A. P., Flores, P., Viseu, F., Oliveira, A., Matos, I. A., Balula, J. P., & Delplancq, V. (2018). Humor in mathematics teaching: tasks for the classroom. Viseu: ESE -IPV.
[4] Menezes, L., Ribeiro, A., Martins, A. P., Gomes, H., Delplancq, V., Balula, J. P., Matos, I. A., Oliveira, A. M., Viseu, F., & Flores, P. (2016, July). Humor in mathematics teaching. Poster session presented at the 13th International Congress on Mathematical Education, Hamburg, Germany.
[5] Meyer, J. C. (2015). Understanding Humor Through Communication: Why be Funny, Anyway?. Lanham: Lexington Books

Keywords:

Humor, Mathematical tasks, Teaching.