EXPLORING MATHEMATICAL KNOWLEDGE: FICTITIOUS SUPERMARKET AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MATURITY

Abstract

The research "Exploring Mathematical Knowledge: Fictitious Supermarket at the University of Maturity" is part of a doctoral thesis that adopted a qualitative approach, combining Design-Based Research (DBR), micro-ethnographic analysis by Erickson (2001), the Basic Knowledge of Cachapuz, Sá-Chaves, and Paixão (2002), along with the key knowledge from the European Commission (2019). Conducted in five distinct and complementary moments, this study focuses on the fifth moment, where a fictitious supermarket was set up, and purchases were made with fictitious currency. This event took place in three 60-minute classes with 27 participants aged between 47 and 83 from the Mathematics Study Group at the University of Maturity in Tocantins - GEMUMA-TO, in Porto Nacional/TO. The research problem explored the integration of activities involving mathematical concepts and popular knowledge at the University of Maturity (UMA) from a sociocultural perspective. The results highlighted the development of communication, expression, learning, and problem-solving skills during the shopping activity in the fictitious supermarket. The analysis identified key events that express significant changes in participants' understanding of mathematical knowledge, emphasizing the importance of social interaction and knowledge exchange. Additionally, participants expressed interest in an entrepreneurial fair to showcase their work, demonstrating not only the acquired learning but also the practical application of knowledge in generating extra income. This study emphasizes the transformative potential of social interaction and collaboration in promoting learning and personal development in old age.