ENGAGING STUDENTS IN THE MATHEMATICS CLASSROM WITH EXCEL

Abstract

A consistent theme in current models of teaching mathematics is the productive engagement of the learner. Involving students in this manner can be expected to enhance their experience with mathematics in two ways. Firstly, learning becomes more meaningful, and secondly, students are given greater control over and responsibility for their learning. Meaningful learning is the outcome of lessons that are designed with a great deal of understanding of students' prior knowledge about the topic in question. In this tutorial I will suggest a number of problem-solving contexts that teachers could exploit in order to engage their students. These contexts will be explored within Excel, an electronic spreadsheet. Participants will be encouraged to analyse knowledge and skills underlying each of the contexts including implications for individual differences. Participants are also expected to develop skills in using spreadsheets environment in order to facilitate the construction links between concepts in algebra and geometry. This tutorial will be of interest to teachers and researchers of Grade 6-10 mathematics.