Title: Computer aided learning of proving in school geometry

Authors: Zlatan Magajna

Addresses: Faculty of Education, University of Ljubljana, Kardeljeva pl. 16, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Abstract: Dynamic Geometry Systems (DGS) are powerful presentation and visualisation tools; however, they are not so useful in helping students to prove facts and to understand how theorems and proofs originate in one|s mind. To facilitate the learning of proving geometry facts a software program has been developed by the author. The considered geometric configuration is first constructed on a DGS. The programme reads the drawing and lists several |observable| properties of the configuration. The student then sets the problem space by selecting the facts s/he finds relevant to the proof. Finally, the student builds a proof by connecting the facts in problem space with logical argumentations in an iconic and/or symbolic view. The software can be used as well for exploring configurations and finding out novel properties (theorems). The effect of using the software has been investigated on a small scale experiment.

Keywords: computer aided learning; CAL; computer aided proving; dynamic geometry; geometry theorems; plane geometry; problem solving; problem space; proofs; theorem proving; visualisation; mathematics teaching; learning maths; mathematics education.

DOI: 10.1504/IJCEELL.2008.022169

International Journal of Continuing Engineering Education and Life-Long Learning, 2008 Vol.18 No.5/6, pp.619 - 626

Published online: 22 Dec 2008 *

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