Original Research

Exploring the use of a dynamic online software programme in the teaching and learning of trigonometric graphs

Jayaluxmi Naidoo, Reginald Govender
Pythagoras | Vol 35, No 2 | a260 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/pythagoras.v35i2.260 | © 2014 Jayaluxmi Naidoo, Reginald Govender | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 06 March 2014 | Published: 12 December 2014

About the author(s)

Jayaluxmi Naidoo, School of Education, College of Humanities, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Reginald Govender, Kingsway High School, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Abstract

Trigonometry is an important section in mathematics that links algebraic, geometric and graphical reasoning. Many secondary school learners are not familiar with these types of reasoning; thus, trigonometry presents a challenge for these learners. The traditional ‘chalk and talk’ method of teaching trigonometry is used by many teachers; however, this article is based on a case study that explores the innovative use of a dynamic online software program in the teaching and learning of Grade 10 trigonometric graphs. The participants in this study were 25 Grade 10 mathematics learners from one school in the south of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Data were collected by using two trigonometry worksheets, semi-structured interviews with selected learners and lesson observations. The worksheets were constructed based on the following focus areas: behaviour of graphs, interpretation of graphs, modelling and overall performance of the learner. In all focus areas, the participants’ scores improved significantly when working within the dynamic online environment. Further analysis revealed the following five themes: easy access, learners in control, technology is the future, motivation and meaningful interaction. These findings would be of interest to mathematics teachers, learners, curriculum developers and mathematics teacher educators.

Keywords

dynamic online software; mathematics; technology; trigonometry

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Crossref Citations

1. A Case Study of Two Selected Teachers as they Integrated Dynamic Geometry Software as a Visualisation Tool in Teaching Geometry
Deepak Mavani, Beena Mavani, Marc Schäfer
African Journal of Research in Mathematics, Science and Technology Education  vol: 22  issue: 3  first page: 297  year: 2018  
doi: 10.1080/18117295.2018.1522716