EXPLORING IN-SERVICE TEACHERS’ DEFINITION MAKING OF CERTAIN CLASSES OF GEOMETRICAL SHAPES WITHIN A VAN HIELE FRAMEWORK

Abstract

Ponte Academic JournalJul 2017, Volume 73, Issue 7 EXPLORING IN-SERVICE TEACHERS’ DEFINITION MAKING OF CERTAIN CLASSES OF GEOMETRICAL SHAPES WITHIN A VAN HIELE FRAMEWORK Author(s): Deonarain BrijlallJ. Ponte - Jul 2017 - Volume 73 - Issue 7 doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2017.7.54 Abstract:The purpose of this paper is to report on classroom-tested geometry activities based on the van Hiele geometric thinking levels in a study which investigated fourth-year students� understanding in definition making of polygons, polyhedra, prisms, pyramids and cylinders. Research was carried out at a South African university. These concepts were taught to preservice teachers (n=85) wishing to specialise in the teaching of mathematics in the GET school curriculum (primary school). Activity sheets based on an examples and non-examples approach was designed to foster collaborative learning. A collaborative approach to learning involved a group of students who participated in the project. This paper, specifically, reports on the investigation of preservice teachers� written and verbal responses based on a learning theory within the context of the van Hiele levels and makes a contribution to an understanding of how these students constructed these concepts in a collaborative way. Download full text:Check if you have access through your login credentials or your institution Username Password