Thinking with diagrams whilst writing with words

Abstract

This paper describes how the visual aspects of mathematics influence the understanding of mathematical concepts. It attempts to contribute to the discussion that surrounds the ideas of visualisation, more specifically in mathematics classrooms. Two teaching interventions are described that may indicate how visual strategies can contribute to teaching in the classroom. An important finding of the research reported here is the ease with which dynamic geometry software can be used as a visual tool to develop analogical reasoning skills.