TASK DESIGN FOR TEACHING CARDIOID CURVE WITH DYNAMIC GEOMETRY SOFTWARE AND EDUCATIONAL ROBOTICS IN UNIVERSITY PRACTICE

Abstract

Considering Gen Z's learning needs, primarily focusing on bachelor IT students, a STEAM-based methodology was developed and tested for teaching and learning the principal properties of the cardioid curve. The four-component methodology is based on visuality and combines frontal teaching techniques with educational robotics, dynamic geometry software and project-based learning elements. Interactive learning materials were set up to support independent learning, including tasks which follow the guidelines of recent research on task design. Moreover, a cardioid drawing LEGO robot model was designed and built to visualise the generation process of the curve and to provide first-hand experiences for students. The participants involved in testing the methodology had to solve two homework problems using dynamic geometry software. An assessment system was set up to evaluate students' solutions. After a statistical analysis of the data obtained, it could be concluded that the four-component methodology is an effective didactic technique to facilitate the learning of the cardioid curve. Keywords: cardioid curve, dynamic geometry software, educational robotics, project-based learning