Anna DeJarnette: Doctoral candidate in mathematics education, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.
Title of Talk:
Students’ Learning About Sine and Cosine Functions Through Pair Work With a Computer Programming Environment
Talk Abstract:
Students’ use of technology tools in mathematics classrooms raises important questions regarding how students’ mathematical thinking and learning are shaped by those tools. In this talk, I will describe students’ learning about sine and cosine functions in Algebra 2 through pair work on an open-ended problem with the use of a programmable microworld called Etoys. I apply Balacheff’s theory of conceptions to examine student thinking and discourse analysis to study students’ collaboration. I will show how students used Etoys in ways that supported them to invoke increasingly sophisticated conceptions of trigonometric functions. I will also discuss how students’ moves to challenge their peers created opportunities to engage in collaborative productive struggle, an activity of collaboration between students leading to positive problem solving outcomes. My findings suggest ways that teachers can promote conceptual understanding of trigonometric functions and problem solving skills through the design of tasks that engage students in conversations and the use of technology.
Tuesday, Feb. 11, 4:30 pm in Ed Ad 216
Refreshments at 4:00 pm. Talk at 4:30 pm.
