ERIC Number: EJ1083242
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2015
Pages: 15
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-2332-3205
EISSN: N/A
Using History of Mathematics to Teach Volume Formula of Frustum Pyramids: Dissection Method
Butuner, Suphi Onder
Universal Journal of Educational Research, v3 n12 p1034-1048 2015
Within recent years, history of mathematics (HoM) has become an increasingly popular topic. Studies have shown that student reactions to it depend on the ways they use history of mathematics. The present action research study aimed to make students deduce volume rules of frustum pyramids using the dissection method. Participants were 24 grade eight students from Trabzon. Observations, informal interviews and feedback forms were used as data collection tools. Worksheets were distributed to students and the research was conducted in 3 class hours. Student views on the activities were obtained through a written feedback form consisting of 4 questions. During the study, most students could assemble the parts forming frustum pyramids and find out volume rules of frustum square pyramids and frustum rectangular pyramids calculating the volumes of the geometric shapes obtained through that assembly. Several students had difficulties in recognizing geometric shapes as well as completing the calculations. The findings revealed that, prior to the study, most students were not able to complete similar activities and the mathematics course was taught in a teacher-centered way. Students found the activities interesting as well as instructing.
Descriptors: History, Mathematics, Mathematics Instruction, Geometric Concepts, Teaching Methods, Secondary School Mathematics, Middle School Students, Grade 8, Action Research, Observation, Interviews, Feedback (Response), Worksheets, Mathematics Activities, Foreign Countries
Horizon Research Publishing. 506 North Garfield Avenue #210, Alhambra, CA 91801. e-mail: editor@hrpub.org; Web site: http://www.hrpub.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Secondary Education; Middle Schools; Junior High Schools; Grade 8; Elementary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Turkey
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A