A teaching approach of geometric shapes’ properties with the use of online educational tools in Greek primary school

Abstract

A number of researchers have shown concern at the difficulties that primary school pupils cope with in learning geometry, and have tried to explain why this happens and what can be done to make the subject more understandable to young learners. Van Hiele’s theoretical model postulates five levels of geometric thinking as visualisation, analysis, abstraction, formal deduction and rigour. Each level uses its own language and symbols. Pupils pass through the levels ‘step by step’. This hierarchical order helps them to achieve better understanding and results. In this research the teacher taught geometry in the 2nd class in a primary Greek school with the use of information and communication technologies. The aim is to find out the level of geometrical thought of the pupils and how geometrical activities – based on online tools – concerning the geometrical shapes and their properties, help students improve their mathematical knowledge in the class. Keywords: Geometric thinking, online tools, shapes, geometrical activities