Electronic Proceedings of the 12th Asian Technology Conference in Mathematics

     

Abstract for 12992

Using Cabri3D Program for Developing Student’s Problem Solving Ability

Authors: NamHee Kim

Affiliations: Jeonju University(associate professor)

Keywords:

 

The purpose of this research is to investigate desirable methods of using Cabri3D program on mathematical problem solving education. In this study, we showed concrete learning materials that will be effective for teacher to guide their students by using Cabri3D.

A theoretical basis of this study are Polya''s problem solving theory, the ''technology principle'' by NCTM(2000) and teaching-learning methods by the Korean mathematics curriculum. Polya''s prescription for solving problems consists of four steps. First step is understanding the problem(recognizing what is asked for). Second step is devising a plan(responding to what is asked for). Third step is carrying out the plan(developing the result of the response). Fourth step is looking back(a verification or expansion of the result). Especially, Korean mathematics curriculum(2007) suggests the utilization of technology in education for the development of problem solving ability.

Under this background, we investigated educational examples using Cabri3D in each step that Polya(1971) suggests in mathematical problem solving process. Moreover, we tried to connect these examples with meaningful questions using heuristics.

[Examples on using Cabri3D on the problem solving education]

 

(1) Step 1: Understanding the problem

- understanding the meaning of 3-dimensional problem

- visual understanding of mathematical theorems

- intuitive confidence about mathematical facts

(2) Step 2: Devising a plan

- expansion of a thinking by analogy

(3) Step 3: Carrying out the plan

- actualization of idea

(4) Step 4:Looking back

- applying present results(methods) to another problem

- suggesting a new problem

- checking present results by another method

 

By using Cabri3D program, we can explore and describe space geometry easily. Students can use Cabri3D as a good instrument in mathematical problem solving process. Also they can visualize mathematical properties related to what they are currently studying on space geometry.

In our poster presentation, we will show educational examples that are developed in our study using Cabri3D. And we will explain these examples with problem solving process by heuristics.

Our study helps mathematics teachers to use computer program effectively to develop student’s problem solving ability. Concrete learning materials that are presented in this study can be directly applied in mathematics classes at secondary schools.

 

References

[1]NCTM (2000). Principles and Standards for School Mathematics. Reston, VA: National Council of Teachers Mathematics.

[2]Polya, G(1971). How to solve it? – A new aspect of mathematical method. Princeton University Press.

[3]Son Dae-won and Jung sun-young(2006). Construction of 3-dimentional space using Cabri3D program. The 8th ‘Math Festival’ Proceeding, Vol.8, No.2, pp.84-99.

[4]The Ministry of Education (2007). Korea’s mathematics curriculum, The Ministry of Education.