This is a 15 minute Teachers TV programme where a practising specialist mathematics teacher demonstrates some of the various ways in which she uses a dynamic geometry program to improve the understanding of her pupils.
The aims of the resource:
To introduce some of the possibilities of using a dynamic geometry software program in a secondary mathematics classroom.
What the resource is:
This is 15 minute TV programme where a practising specialist mathematics teacher demonstrates some of the various ways in which she uses a dynamic geometry program to improve the understanding of her pupils. She covers a variety of topics including:
- angles within a triangle;
- an interactive number line;
- reflections, rotations and lines of symmetry;
- a basic Euclidean construction;
- circle theorems;
- Pythagoras’s theorem; and
- drawing and interpreting graphs.
Interspersed with the teacher demonstrating at her own computer are short clips of her pupils using the program and then adding their own comments to camera about how they find using it.
The quality of the resource:Dynamic geometry software is not yet common throughout schools so it may be new to some people. In 15 minutes, this programme gives an excellent introduction to just how diversely such a program might be used effectively in a maths classroom. It does not pretend to cover the technicalities of how to master using the program but the ideas presented are a really good starting point for a subsequent session devoted to this topic. It covers whole class demonstrations, active participation lessons and small group work and the use of pupils’ comments help to keep it rooted in reality. The sections are short and snappy but contain enough to give you a clear idea of what is happening.
Implications for ITE tutors/mentors:
If your trainees are coming to you without having met this type of software but you are currently using it in your school, this is well worth showing. On the other hand, if they are coming to you and asking if they may teach using it but you haven’t seen it yet, it is also worth watching. It is short, pertinent and relevant. Current staff may also find it inspires a few new avenues for their lessons too!
Relevance to ITE students:
This is very good and well worth watching. In just 15 minutes, you will get a number of ideas of just how you might think about using something like Cabri Géomètre or Geometer's Sketchpad software. If you haven’t met this sort of software yet, it is worth watching just to see what is in the future of secondary mathematics teaching!
Reviewed by:
Rod Bramald
Keywords
maths, geometry, dynamic geometry, software
Article published to :
Topic Area
Teaching and Learning
QTS Standards
Q17 Know how to use skills in literacy, numeracy and ICT to support their teaching, Q25 (a) use a range of teaching strategies including ICT to take account of diversity and promote equality and inclusion, Q26 (b) Assess the learning needs of those they teach in order to set challenging learning objectives, S2.5 Use ICT effectively, both in teaching and to support wider role, S3.1.1 Set challenging teaching and learning objectives, S3.3.10 Use ICT effectively in teaching
Type of Resource
Bramald, Rod, Teachers TV, Video
Education
Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4, Mathematics
Authors :
Teachers TV
Source :
http://www.teachers.tv/video/3080
Publisher :
Teachers TV
Article Id :
12109
Date Posted:
13/3/2006