Donaldson John D.

DOI: Vol.7(No.3) 125-137, 2003

At a time when mathematics is becoming more important in our everyday lives and more relevant in applications in industry and the emerging technologies, there are signs of a decrease in numbers of students and their interest in the subject. Teachers must be encouraged to take a new approach to generating enthusiasm amongst students by showing them that mathematics is an integral part of the future. To achieve this, opportunities for renewal of teachers` knowledge and updating of skills should be made available. In this paper, emphasis is placed on mathematics in the real world and how it can be used to develop the more general skills such as self-teaching and communication which are an essential part of preparation for entry into higher education or the workplace.

professional development, Professional Development Programme, teacher education, renewal of knowledge

Lee Kyung Hwa , Park Kyung Mee , Yim Jae Hoon

DOI: Vol.7(No.3) 139-150, 2003

The purpose of this paper is to review the gifted education from a reflective perspective. Especially, this research touches upon the issues of selection process from a critical point of view. Most of the problems presented in the mathematics competition or in the programs for preparing such competitions share the similar characteristic: the circumstances that are given for questions are too artificial and complicated; problem solving processes are superficially and fragmentally related to mathematical knowledge: and the previous experience with the problem very much decides whether a student can solve the problem and the speed of problem solving. In contrast, the problems for selecting students for Gifted Education Center clearly show what the related mathematical knowledge is and what kind of mathematical thinking ability these problems intend to assess. Accordingly, the process of solving these problems can be considered an important criterion of a student`s mathematical ability. In addition, these kinds of problems can encourage students to keep further interest, and can be used as tasks for mathematical investigation later. We hope that this paper will initiate further discussions on issues derived from the mathematically gifted student selection process.

gifted education programs, gifted student selection process

Choi Jong Sool , Lee Ji Sung , Lee Mi Kyeng , Kang Seon Young , Jung Doo Young

DOI: Vol.7(No.3) 151-161, 2003

In this paper, we discuss how to assess students` understanding of concepts during class, after class and in regular exams in the mathematics classes using the handheld graphing technology. We show some methods of assessment that are compatible with the class using the handheld graphing technology. Theses methods are adjustable to students` learning during class, homework after class or in regular exams. As feedback of these methods we give students additional opportunity to understand concepts by giving additional concept provoking problems or giving additional help if necessary.

assessment, handheld graphing technology, students` learning

Lee Kang Sup , Hwang Dong Jou , Seo Jong Jin

DOI: Vol.7(No.3) 163-189, 2003

The purpose of this study is to develop a test, which can be used in creative problem solving ability in mathematics of the mathematically gifted and the regular students. This test tool is composed of three categories; fluency (number of responses), flexibility (number of different kinds of responses), and originality (degree of uniqueness of responses) which are the factors of the creativity. After applying to 462 middle school students, this test was analyzed into item analysis. As a results of item analysis, it turned out to be meaningful (reliability: 0.80, validity: item 1(1.05), item 2(1.10), item 3(0.85), item 4(0.90), item 5(1.08), item difficulty: item 1(-0.22), item 2(-0.41), item 3(0.23), item 4(0.40), item 5(-0.01), item discriminating power: item 1(0.73), item 2(0.73), item 3(0.67), item 4(0.51), item 5(0.56), over the level of a standard basis. This means that the test tool was useful in the test process of creative problem solving ability in mathematics

mathematical development, problem solving, creative problems

Choi Jong Sool , Kim Hyang Sook

DOI: Vol.7(No.3) 191-209, 2003

In this paper, we present a new environment of learning and teaching of trigonometric, exponential and logarithmic functions the most difficult parts for students to learn among functions, through sound and music, students like the most. First, by using sound and music, we try to arouse student`s interest. Second, we let students see and hear properties of transcendental functions so that students can understand and remember them easily. Finally we encourage students to compose their favorite song using transcendental functions so that students can understand and remember them easily. Finally we encourage students to compose their favorite song using transcendental functions so that they can experience the practicality of transcendental functions.

teaching and learning, transcendental functions, computer and calculator