Title: Interactive geometry labs – combining the US and Russian approaches to teaching geometry

Authors: Irina Lyublinskaya, Valeriy Ryzhik

Addresses: Education Department, College of Staten Island, City University of New York, 2800 Victory Blvd., 3S-208, Staten Island, New York 10314, USA. ' Physical Technical High School – Lycee 194021, ulitza Khlopina 8, Building 3, St Petersburg, Russia

Abstract: Abstract: With the introduction of dynamic geometry software such as Geometer| Sketchpad® and Cabri®, teaching geometry has changed dramatically. Mathematics educators are constantly faced with the challenge to re-think and reevaluate what they teach and how they teach. That particular goal was in the core of the collaborative US-Russian curriculum project supported by The Clay Mathematics Institute and Best Practices in Education, Inc. This project united two different styles of teaching geometry in one set of pedagogical materials: 22 interactive geometry labs that have been now successfully implemented in many US and Russian schools. These materials provide an integrated, dynamic environment for students to stretch themselves and discover mathematics in a unique way. These labs utilise technology and hands-on manipulative tools to discover geometric concepts and theorems. Dynamical geometry software significantly enhances the student|s experience.

Keywords: constructivist approach; deductive reasoning; dynamic geometry software; interactive geometry; problem solving; Russia; USA; United States; visualisation skills; geometry teaching; mathematics teaching; pedagogical materials; mathematics education.

DOI: 10.1504/IJCEELL.2008.022168

International Journal of Continuing Engineering Education and Life-Long Learning, 2008 Vol.18 No.5/6, pp.598 - 618

Published online: 22 Dec 2008 *

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