DIRICHLET’S PRINCIPLE AS AN ELEMENTARY MATHEMATICAL MODEL IN MATHEMATIC EDUCATION
Journal Title: Problems of Education in the 21st Century - Year 2011, Vol 31, Issue 1
Abstract
One important part of nowadays research in theory of mathematics education is focused on searching for some interesting and non-traditional mathematical topics and themes. The topic named the “Dirichlet’s Principle” is aimed to promote and exercise mathematical competencies by using quite simple mathematical rules. The rules were discovered and described in the 19th century by Johann Peter Gustav Lejeune Dirichlet (1805-1859). The article describes case studies as the results of qualitative research of mathematics’ lessons with the topic of Dirichlet’s principle at upper-secondary school and university. The elements of the history of mathematics concerning the topic and Dirichlet’s personality are also involved. Definitions, examples of exercises, tasks and problems are given in the article, too. Recommended methods of teaching with the focus on active methods, which support inquiry based learning, are described. Two case studies, one realized at secondary grammar school (17 year-old pupils) and one at university (student teachers) are described as examples of theoretical and methodological background implementation. The context of tasks and problems which are solved by using Dirichlet’s principle is set in real life situations. The topic content therefore helps to show the importance of mathematical knowledge for everyday life.
Authors and Affiliations
Sona Ceretkova, Lubica Korenekova
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP623736
- DOI -
- Views 130
- Downloads 0
REFORM AGENDA AND EDUCATIONAL POLICY IN KENYA: CIRCA 21st CENTURY
This study examined the reform Agenda and the educational policy in Kenya with regard to the secondary school sector in Eldoret municipality. The study was based on the social systems theory as advanced by Newstrom (1993...
TEACHING AND LEARNING – WHAT IS THIS IN TROUBLED SPACES?
Teaching for five, 10, 15 years. Why are you still teaching? Why are you still teaching science subjects? So, what is it about teaching that attracts you or in other words – What is in it for you? Most importantly, what...
MATHEMATICS EDUCATION: SOME ASPECTS CONNECTED TO ITS CONTENT
The literature concerning the various methods by means of which the teaching of mathematics can be developed is simply huge and is increasing more and more. Several aspects are dealt with: the use of new technologies, es...
INSIGHTS INTO INNOVATION OF INITIAL SCIENCE TEACHER TRAINING
The quality of science education is a very contemporary didactic topic at present. Improving the quality of this education is unthinkable without a quality science teacher training at universities and other educational i...
A CANADIAN TEACHER'S PERCEIVED AUTONOMY AND SELF-CONFIDENCE IN THE MIDST OF AN EDUCATIONAL REFORM
Autonomy is essential for teachers’ commitment, satisfaction and retention. However, teacher autonomy is consistently being reduced in the current era of reforms and the sharing of global policies. In this narrative case...