• The Mathematical Education
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• 제58권2호
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• pp.283-298
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• 2019

Among the measurement attributes included in the elementary school mathematics curriculum, perimeter, area, volume and surface area are intensively covered in fifth and sixth graders. However, not much is known about the level of student performance and difficulties in this area. The purpose of this study is to examine the understanding and performance of sixth-grade elementary school students on some ideas of measurement and ultimately to give some suggestions for teaching measurement and the development of mathematics textbooks. For this, diagnosis questions were developed in relation to the following parts: measurement of perimeter and area of plane figure, measurement of surface area and volume of solid figure, and the relationships between perimeter and area, and the relationships between surface area and volume. The performances of 95 sixth graders were analyzed for this study. The results showed children's low performance in the measurement area, especially measurement of perimeter and surface area, and relationship of the measurement concepts. Finally, we proposed the introduction order of the measurement concepts and what should be put more emphasis on teaching measurement. Specifically, it suggested that we consider placing a less demanding concept first, such as the area and volume, and dealing more heavily with burdensome tasks such as the perimeter and surface area.

• Communications of Mathematical Education
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• 제37권1호
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• pp.65-84
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• 2023

The method of Lagrange multipliers, one of the most fundamental algorithms for solving equality constrained optimization problems, has been widely used in basic mathematics for artificial intelligence (AI), linear algebra, optimization theory, and control theory. This method is an important tool that connects calculus and linear algebra. It is actively used in artificial intelligence algorithms including principal component analysis (PCA). Therefore, it is desired that instructors motivate students who first encounter this method in college calculus. In this paper, we provide an integrated perspective for instructors to teach the method of Lagrange multipliers effectively. First, we provide visualization materials and Python-based code, helping to understand the principle of this method. Second, we give a full explanation on the relation between Lagrange multiplier and eigenvalues of a matrix. Third, we give the proof of the first-order optimality condition, which is a fundamental of the method of Lagrange multipliers, and briefly introduce the generalized version of it in optimization. Finally, we give an example of PCA analysis on a real data. These materials can be utilized in class for teaching of the method of Lagrange multipliers.

• Journal of the Korean School Mathematics Society
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• 제26권2호
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• pp.111-135
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• 2023

This study conducted a student-centered inquiry lesson on the similarity of figures using AlgeoMath, with student learning aspects analyzed from a communication perspective. This approach aimed to inform pedagogical implications related to teaching geometric similarity. Through utilizing AlgeoMath, students were able to visually confirm that their chosen figures were similar, experiencing key mathematical concepts such as the ratio of similarity to the area of similar figures, and congruency and similarity conditions of triangles. In the lessons applying this concept, we categorized the features of similarity learning displayed by students, as seen in the communication aspects of their exploratory activities, into 'Understanding similarity ratios', 'Grasping conditions of similarity in triangles', and 'Comparing concepts of congruency and similarity'. Through exploratory activities based on AlgeoMath, students discussed the meaning and mathematical relationships of key concepts related to similarity, such as the ratio of similarity to the area of figures, and the meaning and conditions of congruence and similarity in triangles. By improving misconceptions about the similarity of figures, they were able to develop deeper mathematical understanding. This study revealed that in teaching and learning the geometric similarity using AlgeoMath, obtaining meaningful pedagogical outcome was not solely due to the features of the AlgeoMath environment, but also largely depended on the teacher's guidance and intervention that stimulated students' thinking.

• School Mathematics
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• 제14권1호
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• pp.85-107
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• 2012

Problem solving is important in school mathematics as the means and end of mathematics education. In elementary school, inductive reasoning is closely linked to problem solving. The purpose of this study was to examine ways of improving problem solving ability through analysis of inductive reasoning process. After the process of inductive reasoning in problem solving was analyzed, five different stages of inductive reasoning were selected. It's assumed that the flow of inductive reasoning would begin with stage 0 and then go on to the higher stages step by step, and diverse sorts of additional inductive reasoning flow were selected depending on what students would do in case of finding counter examples to a regulation found by them or to their inference. And then a case study was implemented after four elementary school students who were in their sixth grade were selected in order to check the appropriateness of the stages and flows of inductive reasoning selected in this study, and how to teach inductive reasoning and what to teach to improve problem solving ability in terms of questioning and advising, the creation of student-centered class culture and representation were discussed to map out lesson plans. The conclusion of the study and the implications of the conclusion were as follows: First, a change of teacher roles is required in problem-solving education. Teachers should provide students with a wide variety of problem-solving strategies, serve as facilitators of their thinking and give many chances for them ide splore the given problems on their own. And they should be careful entegieto take considerations on the level of each student's understanding, the changes of their thinking during problem-solving process and their response. Second, elementary schools also should provide more intensive education on justification, and one of the best teaching methods will be by taking generic examples. Third, a student-centered classroom should be created to further the class participation of students and encourage them to explore without any restrictions. Fourth, inductive reasoning should be viewed as a crucial means to boost mathematical creativity.

• Journal of Elementary Mathematics Education in Korea
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• 제19권3호
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• pp.305-321
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• 2015

This study started with wondering whether the nonproportional model used in unit assessment for 2nd graders is appropriate or not for them. This study aims to explore the applicability of the nonproportional model to 2nd graders when they learn about numbers. To achieve this goal, we analyzed elementary mathematics textbooks, applied two kinds of tests to 2nd graders who have learned three-digit numbers by using the proportional model, and investigated their cognitive characteristics by interview. The results show that using the nonproportional model in the initial stages of 2nd grade can cause some didactical problems. Firstly, the nonproportional models were presented only in unit assessment without any learning activity with them in the 2nd grade textbook. Secondly, the size of each nonproportional model wasn't written on itself when it was presented. Thirdly, it was the most difficult type of nonproportional models that was introduced in the initial stages related to the nonproportional models. Fourthly, 2nd graders tend to have a great difficulty understanding the relationship of nonproportional models and to recognize the nonproportional model on the basis of the concept of place value. Finally, the question about the relationship between nonproportional models sticks to the context of multiplication, without considering the context of addition which is familiar to the students.

• Education of Primary School Mathematics
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• 제12권1호
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• pp.39-55
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• 2009

For this study, the 'Game Activities' lessons presented in the math textbooks from the 1st grade to the 6th were examined in terms of learning materials, the learning members' make-up, the playing structures, and the relation with the contents. In addition, the survey by means of questionnaires was conducted to analyze the actual condition of teachers' guidance in the field. The findings from this research were as follows: First, as for the activities presented in the textbooks, it turned out that too much emphasis is placed upon plays mainly using learning materials such as cards and dice played by teams of two. In addition, there have been shown negative aspects in various ways of plays putting too much emphasis on certain types of plays such as and structures. As for the relation with the contents, although lots of efforts were taken to connect the playing activity to the lesson contents, there were units presenting plays based on the preceding lesson's repeated activity, ones that have weak link with the contents. Second, it turned out that the teachers had negative attitude on the guidance using the 'Game Activities' lesson, although they were aware of the effects of playing in math learning. This seemed to result from the delicate variety and insufficient preparation for the play. Besides, the findings indicate that the appreciation and activity of the 'Game Activities' lesson presented as a way of performance evaluation. for play need to be provided in school or classrooms for teachers and students to make good use of them.

• Journal of Elementary Mathematics Education in Korea
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• 제9권1호
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• pp.65-84
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• 2005

The purpose of this study was to analyze the contents and designs of the developed 22 teaching and programs for the gifted students in elementary mathematics. The focus of the analysis were the participants and the characteristics of the contents, and were to reflect them on the areas of the 7th elementary mathematics curriculum and Renzulli's Enrichment Triad Model. The results of the study as follows: First, the programs for the low grade gifted students are very few compared to those of the high grade students. For earlier development of the young gifted students, we need to develop more programs for the young gifted students. Second, there are many programs in the area of geometry, whereas few programs are developed in the area of measurement. We need to develop programs in the various areas such as measurement, probability and statistics, and patterns and representations. Third, most programs do not follow the steps of the Renzulli's Enrichment Triad Model, and the frequency of appearance of the steps are the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd enrichments, sequentially. We need to develop hierarchical programs in which the sequency and relations are well orchestrated. Fourth, the frequency of appearance is as follows as sequentially: types of exploration of topics, creative problem solving, using materials, project types, and types of games and puzzles. In the development of structure of the program, the following factors should be considered: name of the chapter, overview of the chapter, objectives, contents by steps, evaluation, reading materials, and extra materials.

• The Mathematical Education
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• 제58권4호
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• pp.567-588
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• 2019

This study is a follow-up to Lee(2019). Lee(2019) investigated the method of collecting information on the curriculum of elementary and middle school math teachers, when differences were observed between elementary and middle school math teachers in the method of collecting information on the curriculum. Following Lee(2019)'s study, this study looked at the perceptions and experiences of high school math teachers in their curriculum.At the time when the curriculum was changed from time to time, the authority for restructuring curriculum was strengthened. In addition, the role of teachers as 'curriculum restructuring practitioners' became important. However, previous studies have pointed out the structural problem that teachers empathize with the necessity of restructuring the curriculum and have a negative perception of the willingness to practice the curriculum. Therefore, the researcher examined high school teachers who are sensitive to the characteristics and evaluation of the highly hierarchical mathematics subjects. A total of six interviews were conducted with ten high school mathematics teachers in three groups of ten years of teaching experience. Through this, it was possible to observe how teachers as curriculum reconstruction practitioners had thought about curriculum restructuring, and I could observe what difficulties teachers' experienced. This suggests that teachers have two ideas for restructuring the curriculum: 'realistic curriculum reconstruction' and 'ideal curriculum reconstruction'. In addition, the teachers found that there are 'sides of incongruity in the school system' and 'difficulties in the management of teachers'.

• Journal of Elementary Mathematics Education in Korea
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• 제13권1호
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• pp.75-95
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• 2009

The purpose of the study was to investigate the scaffolding processes of children in mathematical problem solving. 3 groups of 4th grade students participated in the study and the researchers proceeded the study for 4 months. The procedures of this research were as followings. First, when the learners solved the problems, the categories of scaffolding processes(by way of unit line coding belong in open codings, the categories were made 25 concepts and integrated 20 subcategories) were produced the 7 results: invite to the learning, set the problems, affective aids, attempt self learning, re-ordering between learners and affirmation self learning. Second, the processes of scaffolding in mathematic problem solving resulted in condition, the present condition, action/interaction and the outcomes. Third, the cognitive and affective aids that discovered in the scaffolding processes were considered the main categories of learner's scaffolding processes in solving the mathematic problems. In conclusion, first, the learners' scaffolding processes, based on Vygotsky's "the zone of proximal development" in selection and presentation of mathematic problems, are very diverse. Peers' affective aids are very important in solving the problems. Second, learners in the scaffolding processes exchange the cognitive and affective aids with each other with joy and earnestness, and the aids can give assistance to all the participants. Third, in the results of observation and analysis in learners' scaffolding processes, it is meaningful to know how they think. Finally, the learners' scaffolding processes are a little unsystematic and illogical compared to those of adults, but those of scaffolders are so similar to those of learners' cognitive and affective systems that they can provide teachers with many merits in understanding and teaching learners.

• Journal for History of Mathematics
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• 제25권1호
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• pp.71-88
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• 2012

The purpose of this study is to find the way to build the concept image about natural logarithm and the method is using definite integral in calculus under GeoGebra environment. When the students approach to natural logarithm, need to use dynamic program about the definite integral in calculus. Visible reasoning process through using dynamic program(GeoGebra) is the most important part that make the concept image to students. Also, for understand mathematical concept to students, using GeoGebra environment in dynamic program is not only useful but helpful method of teaching and studying. In this article, about graph of natural logarithm using the definite integral, to explore process of understand and to find special feature under GeoGebra environment. And it was obtained from a survey of undergraduate students of mathmatics. Also, relate to this process, examine an aspect of students, how understand about connection between natural logarithm and the definite integral, definition of natural logarithm and mathematical link of e. As a result, we found that undergraduate students of mathmatics can understand clearly more about the graph of natural logarithm using the definite integral when using GeoGebra environment. Futhermore, in process of handling the dynamic program that provide opportunity that to observe and analysis about process for problem solving and real concept of mathematics.