Expanding in-service mathematics teachers’ horizons in creative work using technology

Abstract

This article describes the experiences gained from a seminar in the teaching of mathematical reasoning and problem solving designed to prepare in-service high school mathematics teachers to teach genuine mathematical activity in a computer-based environment. Presented with a set of unfamiliar tasks and activities, the participants were encouraged to investigate each of them, using the Geometer's Sketchpad software, and then to justify their assertions accordingly. In the exploratory process the student teachers make the major mathematical contributions while the teacher plays the role of facilitator. The mathematics teachers began to realize the power of technology in teaching mathematics and were pleased to return to their classrooms with a great number of experiences and ideas for immediate use.