Designing a web-based learning support system for flow-chart proving in school geometry
Miyazaki, M; Fujita, T; Jones, K; et al.Iwanaga, Y
Date: 16 June 2017
Article
Journal
Digital Experiences in Mathematics Education
Publisher
Springer International Publishing
Publisher DOI
Abstract
As international research confirms, many secondary school students can find
it difficult to construct mathematical proofs. In this article, we explain the pedagogical
and technological underpinnings of a web-based learning support system for students
who are just starting to tackle deductive proving in geometry. We show how the ...
As international research confirms, many secondary school students can find
it difficult to construct mathematical proofs. In this article, we explain the pedagogical
and technological underpinnings of a web-based learning support system for students
who are just starting to tackle deductive proving in geometry. We show how the system
was designed to enable students to access the study of proofs in geometry by tackling
proof problems where they can ‘drag’ sides, angles and triangles from the figural
diagram of the problem to on-screen cells within a flow-chart proof format. When
doing so, the system automatically converts the figural elements to their symbolic form
and identifies any of four kinds of errors in the learners’ proof attempts, providing
relevant feedback on-screen. We use empirical examples from our pilot studies to
illustrate how this combination of technological features and systematic feedback can
support student understanding of the structure of proof and how to plan one. Finally, we
point out some limitations to mathematical expression and the usage of the flow-chart
format, and indicate the prospect of minimizing such limitations by adopting a learning
progression for the introductory lessons concerning deductive proofs.
School of Education
Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences
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