Introduction

Mathematics helps us all to make sense of the world in which we live as we go about our
daily lives. Reasoning is part of a much wider set of skill that are required to help us to develop
mathematically and allow us to think critically. To do this successfully, we must continually gather
and interpret information to solve problems and make informed decision based on what we know.
We must then plan, organize and communicate our ideas effectively. Therefore, reasoning skills
should be cherished and be an integral part of learning for our children, rather than a bolt on at the
end.

Mathematical reasoning

Reasoning requires that we use our cognitive abilities to make sense of the world around
us. The concept of sense making is an important one in reasoning. Martin and Kasmer (2010)
noted that mathematical reasoning is based on sense making and that reasoning and sense making,
together, are essential to one’s ability to learn mathematics. Thom (2011) describes mathematical
reasoning as, “Involving exploring the mathematics at hand; generating, implementing, and
evaluating conjectures; as well as justifying our thinking and actions as we engage in mathematics”
(p. 234). The process of reasoning is critical in school mathematics. Many authors describe
reasoning habits or indicators that are central to all critical thinking or problem solving tasks. These
are: analyzing a problematic situation, choosing or formulating a strategy, looking for connections
and implementing a strategy, finding and reflecting on a solution, drawing and supporting
conclusions (Kasmer & Kim, 2011; Martin & Kasmer, 2010).