• School Mathematics
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.487-506
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• 2007

The aims of this study is figure out the characteristics of justification patterns and mathematical representation which are derived from 14 mathematically gifted middle school students in the process of solving the spatial tasks on Archimedean solid. This study shows that mathematically gifted students apply different types of justification such as empirical, or deductive justification and partial or whole justification. It would be necessary to pay attention to the value of informal justification, by comparing the response of student who understood the entire transformation process and provided a reasonable explanation considering all component factors although presenting informal justification and that of student who showed formalization process based on partial analysis. Visual representation plays an valuable role in finding out the Idea of solving the problem and grasping the entire structure of the problem. We found that gifted students tried to create elaborated symbols by consolidating mathematical concepts into symbolic re-presentations and modifying them while gradually developing symbolic representations. This study on justification patterns and mathematical representation of mathematically gifted students dealing with spatial geometry tasks provided an opportunity for understanding their the characteristics of spacial geometrical thinking and expending their thinking.

• The Mathematical Education
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• v.45 no.2 s.113
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• pp.191-204
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• 2006

Computer technology has a potential to change the contents of school mathematics and the way of teaching mathematics. But in our country, the problem whether computer technology should be introduced into mathematics classroom or not was not resolved yet. As a tool, computer technology can be used by teachers who are confident of the effectiveness and who can use it skillfully and can help students to understand mathematics. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effective way to introduce and utilize computer technology based on the status quo of mathematics classroom setting. One possible way to utilize computer technology in mathematics classroom in spite of the lack of computer and the inaccessibility of useful software is using domain specific simulation software like 'Polyhedron'. 'Polyhedron', as we can guess from the name, can be used to explore regular and semi regular polyhedra and the relationship between them. Its functions are limited but it can visualize regular polyhedra, transform regular polyhedra into other polyhedra. So it is easier to operate than other dynamic geometry software like GSP. To investigate the effect of using this software in mathematics class, three classes(one in 6th grade from science education institute for the gifted, two in 7th grade) were chosen. Activities focused on the relationship between regular and semi regular polyhedra. After the class, several conclusions were drawn from the observation. First, 'Polyhedron' can be used effectively to explore the relationship between regular and semi regular polyhedra. Second, 'Polyhedron' can motivate students. Third, Students can understand the duality of polyhedra. Fourth, Students can visualize various polyhedra by reasoning. To help teachers in using technology, web sites like NCTM's illuminations and NLVM of Utah university need to be developed.