Oh Nam Kwon

DOI: Vol.5(No.1) 1-12, 2001

Generating fractal images by graphing calculators such as TI-92 combines several important features, which convey the excitement of a living, changing mathematics appropriate to secondary or post-secondary students. The topic of fractal geometry can be illustrated using natural objects such as snowflakes, leaves and ferns. These complex and natural forms are often strikingly fantastic and beautiful. The examples highlight the fact that complex, natural behaviors can result from simple mathematical rules such as those embodied in iterated function systems (IFS). The visual splendor beauty of fractals, in concert with their ubiquity in nature, reveals the intellectual beauty of nonlinear mathematics in a compelling way. The window is now open for students to experience and explore some of the wonder of fractal geometry.

Joong Kwoen Lee

DOI: Vol.5(No.1) 13-24, 2001

Using computer technology in teaching school mathematics creates new instructional environments. The emphases on the use of computer technology in the classrooms and in particular the use of computer-based exploration as a context of mathematics instruction have been reflected in the recommendation of the NCTM (Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics, 1989). Although the power of, using computer technology in the exploration of mathematical problems has been recognized and stressed by many educators, we do not have many research studies on mathematics in computer-based explorations. Especially research has failed to clarify how computer technology can contribute to the construction of procedural and conceptual knowledge of mathematics. Up to now most researches on procedural and conceptual knowledge in computer environments have only focused on classifying programming languages which program language has more random access and rich interrelationship characteristic in relation to conceptual knowledge in humans, and which computer language has more characteristic flavor of procedural knowledge. How computer-based explorations affect the knowledge construction of mathematics, therefore, emerges as an issue of research on teacher education program for theoretical framework. This situation leads to do research on the effectiveness of using computer explorations in pre-service teacher education in terms of procedural and conceptual knowledge construction.

Ok Ki Kang

DOI: Vol.5(No.1) 25-44, 2001

The purposes of this paper are to understand the functions of technology TI92 graphing calculator and to develop some typical examples showing that current Korean secondary school mathematics curriculum can be treated with the technology. This study is consisted with five chapters. In Chapter 1, the background and purposes for this study is described. In Chapter 2, the textbooks developed by fore-Plus Mathematics Project to reform mathematics education in the United States are analyzed to find the possibilities for practical uses in mathematics classrooms. In Chapter 3, the functions of TI-92 are analyzed with regard to how they can be applied to mathematics education. In Chapter 4, some examples are developed to show that TI-92 can be used for Korean secondary school mathematics education. Chapter 5 is consisted with summaries of this study and some suggestions for further study.

Boo Yoon Kim , Ji Sung Lee

DOI: Vol.5(No.1) 45-58, 2001

This study sheds light on the importance of developing creativity in mathematics class by examining the theoretical base of creativity and its relationship to mathematics. The study also reviewed the realities of developing creativity in mathematics courses, and it observed and analyzed the processes in which students and teachers solve the mathematics problems. By doing so, the study examined creative abilities of both students and teachers and suggests what teachers can do to tap the potential of the students. The subjects of the study are two groups of students and one group of mathematics teachers. These groups were required to solve a particular problem. The grading was made based on the mathematical creativity factors. There were marked differences in the ways of the solutions between of the student groups and the teacher group. It was clear that the teachers` thinking was limited to routine approaches in solving the given problems. In particular, there was a serious gap in the area of originality. As can be seen from the problem analysis by groups, there was a meaningful difference between the creativity factors of students and those of teachers. This study presented research findings obtained from students who were guided to freely express their creativity under encouragement and concern of their teachers. Thus, teachers should make an effort to break from their routine thinking processes and fixed ideas. In addition, teaching methods and contents should emphasize on development of creativity. Such efforts will surely lead to an outcome that is beneficial to students.

Suk Im Yoon

DOI: Vol.5(No.1) 59-75, 2001

This paper reports an investigation of problem solving activities of students at university level students. The study focused on the cognitive-metacognitive and affective activities appeared in problem solving process. The cognitive-metacognitive framework was used to analyze and categorize the written response and free response of interviews probing the students` cognitive-metacognitive activities. Affective factors were assessed by administering the problem solving survey (Carlson, The emergence of students` problem solving behavior, 1999). This study provide an insight for the design of problem solving instruction by identifying cognitive, metacognitive and affective characteristics of the students` problem solving behaviors. The results report that the metacognitive factors were significantly related to problem solving performance interacting with both cognitive and affective factors.

Young Suk Lee

DOI: Vol.5(No.1) 77-86, 2001

The purpose of this study is to examine a theoretical framework for the interactions of learning in a small group setting of mathematical problem solving. Many researchers already have described the theoretical background for the small group settings in problem solving. However, most of the literatures merely have reported findings of achievement and rising of test scores. They ignored the observation of process taken during the small group work and have not determined how various psychological, social and academic effects are created. As results of the study, two types, mutual collaboration and asymmetric collaboration, of interactions are observed as the interactions of learning, which are conceived as the cores of authentic mathematical activities.