An example of using history of mathematics in classes
Journal Title: European Journal of Science and Mathematics Education - Year 2013, Vol 1, Issue 3
Abstract
In recent years, the topic of integrating history to mathematics lessons in teaching-learning processes has been frequently discussed among researchers. The main aim of this study is to present an example activity which enriched with history of mathematics and to take the views of students about teaching course in this way. In addition, to create awareness about the developmental stages of mathematics up to now is an implicit purpose. This research is a multiple case study. It was studied with twenty one students who continued eighth grade class in a private primary school. Worksheets containing two algorithms about calculating the square roots of numbers which were used in history were given to each student. In addition, after students reached the solution, they compared their results with results which they obtained from the calculator. Thus, they also saw that the calculator's operating system was similar to algorithms they used. Students' opinions about the integration of the history of mathematics to lessons were collected through an interview form. At the end of the activity, students stated that the chosen activities from the history of mathematics had attracted their interests. Also, they found an opportunity to compare different methods.
Authors and Affiliations
Sevda Goktepe| Department of Elementary Mathematics Education, Yildiz Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey, Ahmet Sukru Ozdemir| Department of Elementary Mathematics Education, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey For correspondence: goktepe@yildiz.edu.tr
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