Title: Teaching and learning mathematics with dynamic worksheets

Authors: Doris Bocka, Carsten Miller, Matthias Ehmann

Addresses: Mathematics Education, Chair for Mathematics and Mathematics Education, Centre of Mathematics and Science Education, Bayreuth University, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany. ' Mathematics Education, Chair for Mathematics and Mathematics Education, Centre of Mathematics and Science Education, Bayreuth University, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany. ' Computer Science Education, Chair for Mathematics and Mathematics Education, Centre of Mathematics and Science Education, Bayreuth University, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany

Abstract: Dynamic worksheets combine Dynamic Geometry Software illustrations and web pages including text, photos and drawings. In difference to printed worksheets, the electronic documents are connected via hyperlinks. So linear working is not necessary. Students explore dynamic illustrations, they develop ideas and find their own solutions for a given problem. This way of working supports autonomous and cooperative learning of mathematics in classroom and at university. It encourages an active discovering approach to mathematical thinking. Students are more deeply involved in the process of finding and solving mathematical problems. This leads the students to increased activity and better understanding of new mathematical situations. The keyword |I-you-we| is the didactic philosophy behind the dynamic worksheets. It emphasises the integration of interactive multimedia technology into the process of learning and teaching. The evaluation results of a project with about 1,500 students show that students benefit from dynamic visualisation in manifold ways.

Keywords: content development; cooperative learning; autonomous learning; dynamic mathematics software; dynamic worksheets; evaluation; experimental mathematics; GEONExT; individual learning; practical experience; student centred learning; visualisation; worksheet creator; mathematics teaching; learning maths; geometry; mathematics education.

DOI: 10.1504/IJCEELL.2008.022161

International Journal of Continuing Engineering Education and Life-Long Learning, 2008 Vol.18 No.5/6, pp.510 - 519

Published online: 22 Dec 2008 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article