Use of CAR in Teaching of Mathematics and Computing

Nelson Wai, Chan

csnchan@comp.polyu.edu.hk
Department of Computing
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Hong Kong

Abstract

This paper describes research into the framework of CAR and its methodology together with software such as Scientific Notebook in a teaching and learning problem-solving environment to support student investigation as well as to enhance student logical thinking. CAR is an acronym that stands for Component Analysis Relationship. It aims to motivate students how to subdivide a problem on hand into three components. These components are input component, mental model component and target system component. Analysis work can then be focused on the relationship among entries in each of the components. Examples of how to apply CAR methodology in some typical problem-solving activities are presented.

?1999. ATCM, Inc