Mathematical Conceptual Understanding about Geometry of 8th Grade Students in Classroom Using Lesson Study and Open Approach with The Geometer’s Sketchpad

Abstract

This research aims to analyze the Mathematical Conceptual Understanding (MCU) about Geometry in classroom using Lesson Study and Open Approach [11] with the Geometer’s Sketchpad (GSP). It used qualitative research methodology which focuses on protocol analysis through analytic description. The target group was 9 (divided into 3 groups) of 8th grade students from Kaeng Khro Wittaya School, Kaeng Khro District, Chaiyaphum Province, 2016 Academic Year. The research tools were lesson plan of Figures and Geometry Shapes with GSP, Video recorder and field note. The data included students’ problem solving protocols, students’ interviewing protocols, collaboratively lesson plan and reflection protocols, and the students’ written works. Data were analyzed by APOS framework [7]. The results were found that: 1) Posing Open-ended problems, GSP program was used for surveying details and conditions of problems. Students have the MCU in the action level, the students were able to follow the instructions, 2) Students’ self-learning, students applied the surveying details and conditions from GSP program in the 1st step to solve their mathematical problems and could have various ideas. Students have the MCU in the process level, they can draw the connection in the problematic problems as well as describe that idea in descriptive manner. They can also present and elaborate their ideas, 3) Whole class discussion and comparison, GSP program was used for expanding and comparing the students’ ideas. Students have the MCU in the object level, The students can make conclusion as well as give definitions, principles qualities to make the connection or solve the problems, and 4) Summarization through connecting students’ mathematical ideas emerged in the classroom, GSP Program was used to connect and summarize the students’ mathematical idea. Students have the MCU in the object and schema levels, the students are able to make connection of their current lesson with the other lesson such as geometry and so on.