Mathematics in ENEM: a study of geometric knowledge from 2009 to 2024

Abstract

The so called Exame Nacional do Ensino Médio (ENEM) was created in 1998 and its initial objective was to evaluate the proficiency of students finishing Ensino Médio. Mathematics is one of the subjects that make up this exam and geometry is included within this specialty, present in the test as an area of knowledge. In this sense, the objective of this work is to analyze the presence of geometric knowledge in the Mathematics questions of ENEM tests from 2009 to 2024. The research methodology used comprised basic research with a qualitative and exploratory approach. To this end, a theoretical analysis was carried out with the intention of presenting the current situation of ENEM and its main particularities. Furthermore, the methodological aspects involving the procedures used to acquire the data, as well as their categorization, are described. Finally, the collected data was described and analyzed, highlighting the understandings and final considerations in relation to the main contents emphasized involving the topic of interest. The data presented shows a significant number of questions addressing this knowledge, so that the study of geometry presents itself as a relevant topic for the exam. The analysis procedures made it possible to identify that the questions are well contextualized, inserted in some context. The study of geometry contributes to the development of skills, in addition to enabling a better understanding of real-world phenomena. These elements contribute positively to the teaching of this content, especially for students who intend to take ENEM.