This research explores two methods through which ten preservice math teachers develop an understanding of trigonometric values. Using the unit circle, preservice math teachers engage in knowledge-building activities such as paper folding and GeoGebra application. Grounded in Altman and Kidron's 2016 didactical design research, this study examines…

In this paper, we introduce a technology-enhanced pedagogical sequence for supporting lower secondary school students' sense-making of the concept of volume in a non-procedural and non-formula-driven way. Specifically, we illustrate a novel approach of using dynamic geometric environment (DGE) to introduce the meaning of volume and then deriving…

The purpose of this paper is to follow the reasoning of high school students when asked to explain the standard trigonometric limit lim/[theta][right arrow] sin[theta]/[theta]. An observational study was conducted in four different phases in order to investigate if visualization, by means of an interactive technology environment (Geogebra), can…

Context is what makes mathematical modeling tasks different from more traditional textbook word problems. Math problems are sometimes stripped of context as they are worked on. For modeling problems, however, context is important for making sense of the mathematics. The task should be brought back to its real-world context as often as possible. In…

Being one of the major subjects in high school mathematics curriculum, trigonometry links algebraic, geometric and graphical reasoning. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of GeoGebra in the teaching of the concept of the periodicity of trigonometric functions. In this study, it is investigated how effective is the dynamic…

We present background and an activity meant to show both instructors and students that mere button pushing with technology is insufficient for success, but that additional thought and preparation will permit the technology to serve as an excellent tool in the understanding and learning of mathematics. (Contains 5 figures.)

Trigonometry is an important section in mathematics that links algebraic, geometric and graphical reasoning. Many secondary school learners are not familiar with these types of reasoning; thus, trigonometry presents a challenge for these learners. The traditional 'chalk and talk' method of teaching trigonometry is used by many teachers; however,…

Studies incorporating technology into the teaching of trigonometry, although sparse, have demonstrated positive effects on student achievement. The optimal sequence for integrating technology with teacher-led mathematics instruction has not been determined. Our research investigated whether technology has a greater impact on student achievement…

In the summer of 2009, a professional development partnership was established between the Peoria Public School District (PPSD), a local education agency (LEA), and Illinois State University (ISU) to improve geometric and trigonometric knowledge and skill for high school mathematics teachers as part of the Illinois Mathematics and Science…

This paper was prepared in response to the Conference Board of Mathematical Sciences recommendations for the preparation of secondary teachers. It shows how using trigonometry as a conceptual tool in spreadsheet-based applications enables one to develop mathematical understanding in the context of constructing geometric representations of unit…

Revised material from earlier Project Solo newsletters is presented here. The revised material updates programs to explain the law of sines and cosines and to apply the idea of rectangular coordinates approach to aircraft navigation systems such as VORTAC. A brief discussion of the value of off-line as opposed to on-line activity is also…

Low cost microcomputers with high resolution graphics provide students and educators with fast and accurate visual representations of mathematics relations and extend the benefits of discovery learning into the high school and college mathematics classroom. A recent challenge has been to use the computer in motivating students and teaching…

A conceptually elementary and geometrically based algorithm is presented to indicate how trigonometric functions can be calculated without using calculus. (MN)

Describes computer or calculator-graphing technology to develop parametric representations which help students connect mathematical topics from algebra and trigonometry through algebraic, graphical, and numerical representations. Computer or calculator graphing utilities instantly transform algebraic expressions into visual and numerical displays…

Suspecting that computer-assisted mathematics instruction helps students attain a higher level of achievement than normal instruction, the author conducted an experiment in two algebra-trigonometry classes. Fifty-one "middle ability" students were divided into two groups. The computer group used the computer both as a computational and teaching…