(472) DEVELOPING AND PILOTING A TEACHING/LEARNING UNIT ON SIMILAR TRIANGLES USING DGS

摘要

Technology has recently become a vital factor in the teaching of mathematics. Yet, a key issueremains how technology could be ultimately used to support students in reaching a betterunderstanding of Mathematics and to design meaningful learning experiences. In an attempt toexamine the possible effects of Dynamic Geometry Software, specifically Cabri, on a learningsituation, a learning/teaching sequence on Similar Triangles was developed to integrate the use ofDGS, then piloted and clinically analyzed to investigate its effect on a pair of 8th grade Lebanesestudents' learning and problem solving strategies. The study brought forth an important finding thatproperly designed tasks based on constructivist approach and supported by DGS can help in reachinga better learning of mathematics, the acquisition of essential mathematical skills and the integration oftopics at an earlier level than expected in the curriculum.