An Investigation of Student Usage of the Graphing Calculator in Algebra I Wesley Lee July 28 th, 2009

Introduction Since the 1980’s Procedural to conceptual knowledge The need to understand students’ usage 2Product of Learning Appalachian State University

Relating Literature Casio fx-7000G in 1986 (Waits & Demana, 1996) 1989 Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics (NCTM, 1989) Sorensen, Product of Learning Appalachian State University

Relating Literature Ruthven (1996) concluded that despite a ten year interval since their introduction, “calculators are largely confined to the margins of classroom life; casually used, primarily instrumentally, and often uncritically” (p. 464). Product of LearningAppalachian State University4

Research Questions 1.With what frequency and how are graphing calculators being used in an Algebra I classroom setting by students? 2.Does this mode of use meet the teacher’s expectations? 3.Does the use of graphing calculators affect students' attitudes towards mathematics? 5Product of Learning Appalachian State University

Study Outline Participants Data Collection – Observations Observations – Student Worksheet Student Worksheet – Questionnaire Questionnaire 6 Product of Learning Appalachian State University

Results With what frequency and how are graphing calculators being used in an Algebra I classroom setting by students? – Frequency of use High, moderate, or low? 7Product of Learning Appalachian State University

Method of Choice Product of Learning Appalachian State University % of the time students used graphing (calculators) 7.7% of the time students used elimination 37.54% of the time students used substitution

Results Does this mode of use meet the teacher’s expectations? – Checking Tool? – Quadratics Units Sketch or Graph? Finding Zeros – Systems of Linear Equations Exact Answers Worksheet Product of Learning Appalachian State University9

Results Does the use of the graphing calculator affect students’ attitudes towards the mathematics – Group 1 : students’ attitudes towards mathematics when using the graphing calculator – Group 2: students’ reactions to using the graphing calculator Product of Learning Appalachian State University10

Group 1 2: Using a calculator to do mathematics will harm my ability to do mental arithmetic. 3: Without my calculator, I feel lost and unable to solve math problems. 4: Having a calculator available for homework and exams makes me feel more confident in my mathematical ability. 12: Learning to use the calculator will be helpful for my future work in college or the work world. 15: The calculator can be a tool to help me solve problems I could not solve without it. 16: Using the calculator to solve a math problem is more hindrance than help. Product of Learning Appalachian State University11

Group 1 Results Product of Learning Appalachian State University12

Group 2 1: I often use a calculator during math class. 13: When confronted with a word problem, I would never use a calculator as a first step in solving it. 14: A calculator solution to a math problem is not as accurate as an algebraic solution. 17: It is important to learn to do all mathematical processes ‘by hand’ before using a calculator or computer to do the same processes. 19: The calculator was difficult to learn to use. 20: Some math problems are easier to solve without the use of the calculator. Product of Learning Appalachian State University13

Group 2 Results Product of Learning Appalachian State University14

Conclusions Primary use of graphing calculators Agreement with research – Ruthven, 1992 p. 464 Perceptions of best method Comparison of low and high students Product of Learning Appalachian State University15

Reflections and Thanks Dr. Crocker Cooperating Teacher Appalachian State University Watauga County Schools Product of Learning Appalachian State University16

Questions Product of Learning Appalachian State University17

References National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. (1989). Curriculum and evaluation standards for school mathematics. Reston VA: Author. Ruthven, K. (1992). Personal technology and classroom change: A British perspective. In J. T. Fey & C. R. Hirsch. Calculators in Mathematics Education (pp ). Reston VA: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Sorensen, R.J. (1996). Designing schools to accommodate technology. Madison, WI: Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. Waits, B. K., & Demana, F. (Eds.). (1994). The calculator and computer precalculus project (C 2 PC): What we have learned in ten years? (pp ). In G.W. Bright, H.C. Waxman, & S. E. Williams (Eds.), Impact of Calculators on Mathematics Instruction. Blue Ridge Summit PA: University Press of America. Product of Learning Appalachian State University18