Secondary Students Learning Mathematics with the Geometer's Sketchpad (GSP)

Abstract

We, mathematics educators, agree that we need to teach our students to think critically and to do mathematics as mathematicians do. Students need many mathematical abilities to solve problems. These abilities include being able to detect patterns, conjecture, make generalizations, perform inductive and deductive reasoning, and make analogies. These skills can be nurtured through solving problems, engaging in exploratory investigations, experiencing classroom discourse, and using information and communication technology.

The Geometer? Sketchpad (GSP) is one of the mathematics software that provides opportunities for students to investigate and discover mathematics concepts. GSP empowers students to visualize and encourages them to make conjectures before attempting to prove. By using GSP students learn through exploring, investigating and discovering. GSP enhances students?higher order thinking skills in mathematics. The Geometer? Sketchpad is a very useful and effective tool for both teacher and students. GSP changes the way mathematics is taught and learned.

In the 2004 school year, action research was carried out in secondary school in Bangkok Thailand. The research findings show that GSP enhances students? higher order thinking skills in mathematics. Best of all, the students had positive attitude toward mathematics after they learned mathematics using the GSP.