Using computer software as an instructional tool for enhancing relational understanding of function concept : three case studies

관계적 이해를 위한 수업 도구로서의 소프트웨어 활용에 관한 사례 연구 - 고등학교 1학년 함수 단원을 중심으로 -

Although ‘to understand mathematics’ is an important educational purpose, most student do not have a relational understanding of the basic concept of mathematics but have a instrumental understanding. This paper will investigate the possibility of using computers for enhancing relational understanding. In the ‘Qualitative case study’, three students who are in the first grade at E-High school took part in 7 activities during four weeks, and were later interviewed and engaged in informal discussion and were observed. This is the result of this study. 1. The three students were passive participants in mathematics problem solving situation at school. Therefore, student B just applied formulas which she had memorized, and student C would forgot the formulas occasionally. These common students needed to participate actively in doing mathematics. 2. The activities utilized two software healing with connection between graphs and function, giving the students the opportunity to plan, practice, and test by themselves. As a result, they understood the mathematical formulas and rules more deeply through their own trial and error, and then they gained thinking abilities necessary for doing mathematics. In addition, the activities boosted their confidence. 3. The understanding type of students was slightly different. Student A who received a high score, understood the most relationally, but student B who received a very high score, understood instrumentally and so couldn't app1y her knowledge to solving problems related to function concept. Student C who received a middle score lacked knowledge of mathematics but thought more creatively. The result is that students need an opportunity to think rotationally regardless of score. Therefore, this study concludes that using computer software will provide a positive effect for relational understanding in loaming function concept.