Circles in a dynamic software environment

Kennedy, Ellen (1999) Circles in a dynamic software environment. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

[English] PDF - Accepted Version Available under License - The author retains copyright ownership and moral rights in this thesis. Neither the thesis nor substantial extracts from it may be printed or otherwise reproduced without the author's permission. Download (2MB)

Abstract

This project consists of two parts: a review of the relevant literature on the new pedagogical issues facing educators today as it applies to the mathematics classroom and a circles unit designed to address these issues. The literature review focuses on the pedagogical issues of constructivism, collaboration and reflective inquiry, the role of the teacher, and the nature of proof A brief explanation of dynamic geometry software and its capabilities in the classroom is included since this unit is developed around the dynamic geometry software, The Geometer's Sketchpad, that allows for individual exploration and discovery. This software has caused much excitement as teachers begin to explore its capabilities in their classrooms. The unit is based on the standards put forth by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics to change the focus of math courses towards the process of discovery rather than the facts discovered. This circles unit is intended to be used in classrooms as enrichment or as a supplement to a unit on circles in courses such as Mathematics 2200 in Newfoundland and Labrador. A brief report on both teacher and students' reactions to this unit is also included.

Actions (login required)

View Item