Generating and using examples in the proving process

We report on our analysis of data from a dataset of 26 videotapes of university students working in groups of 2 and 3 on different proving problems. Our aim is to understand the role of example generation in the proving process, focusing on deliberate changes in representation and symbol manipulation. We suggest and illustrate four aspects of situations in which example generation seems to play a positive role in proving. These aspects integrate qualities of students and of problems: experience of utility of examples in proving, personal example spaces and technical tools, formulation of the problem, and relational necessity. Our analysis led to integrating two theoretical ideas: the alignment of conceptual insight and technical handle when trying to prove; and manipulating, getting-a-sense-of, and articulating as phases of work associated with example construction.