Dynamic geometry: An agent for the reunification of algebra and geometry

dc.creator	Meira Hockman
dc.date	2011-10-01T00:00:00Z
dc.date.accessioned	2015-07-20T22:17:25Z
dc.date.available	2015-07-20T22:17:25Z
dc.identifier	10.4102/pythagoras.v33i3.119
dc.identifier	1012-2346
dc.identifier	2223-7895
dc.identifier	https://doaj.org/article/c3252af2cffd451e81fca3cd3568753e
dc.identifier.uri	http://evidence.thinkportal.org/handle/123456789/18986
dc.description	This paper investigates the degree of separation or unity between the algebraic and geometric modes of thought of students in tertiary education. Case studies indicate that as a student is inducted into the use of algebra the insightful and visual components of geometrical and graphical modes of thought are sidelined. Based on Vygotsky’s taxonomy of the psychogenesis of cultural forms of behaviour, I suggest that this separation occurs because the algebraic methods remain fixed at a naïve or algorithmic stage. The algebraic concepts may fail to be internalised because the stage of instrumental functioning of algebra as a ‘tool’ or ‘method’ of geometry is not successfully transitioned. I suggest that this stage of instrumental functioning may be stimulated by using dynamic geometry programs to promote the formation of images in conjunction with algebraic representations in problem solving. In this way the modes of thought in algebra and geometry in mathematics may be reunified.
dc.language	English
dc.publisher	AOSIS OpenJournals
dc.relation	http://www.pythagoras.org.za/index.php/pythagoras/article/view/119
dc.relation	https://doaj.org/toc/1012-2346
dc.relation	https://doaj.org/toc/2223-7895
dc.rights	CC BY
dc.source	Pythagoras, Vol 33, Iss 3, Pp 31-41 (2011)
dc.subject	tertiary mathematics
dc.subject	geometry
dc.subject	Special aspects of education
dc.subject	LC8-6691
dc.subject	Education
dc.subject	L
dc.subject	DOAJ:Education
dc.subject	DOAJ:Social Sciences
dc.subject	Mathematics
dc.subject	QA1-939
dc.subject	Science
dc.subject	Q
dc.subject	DOAJ:Mathematics
dc.subject	DOAJ:Mathematics and Statistics
dc.subject	Special aspects of education
dc.subject	LC8-6691
dc.subject	Education
dc.subject	L
dc.subject	DOAJ:Education
dc.subject	DOAJ:Social Sciences
dc.subject	Mathematics
dc.subject	QA1-939
dc.subject	Science
dc.subject	Q
dc.subject	DOAJ:Mathematics
dc.subject	DOAJ:Mathematics and Statistics
dc.subject	Special aspects of education
dc.subject	LC8-6691
dc.subject	Education
dc.subject	L
dc.subject	Mathematics
dc.subject	QA1-939
dc.subject	Science
dc.subject	Q
dc.subject	Special aspects of education
dc.subject	LC8-6691
dc.subject	Education
dc.subject	L
dc.subject	Mathematics
dc.subject	QA1-939
dc.subject	Science
dc.subject	Q
dc.subject	Special aspects of education
dc.subject	LC8-6691
dc.subject	Education
dc.subject	L
dc.subject	Mathematics
dc.subject	QA1-939
dc.subject	Science
dc.subject	Q
dc.title	Dynamic geometry: An agent for the reunification of algebra and geometry
dc.type	article