Using geometric models and vector arithmetic to teach high‐school students basic notions in linear algebra

Abstract

In [1] we discussed the difficulties students at the university level and the high‐school level have with the existing approaches of teaching linear algebra (for a review of these approaches see [2]) and offered an alternative approach. A summary of these difficulties and some of the elements of this approach are presented in this paper. In addition, we will (a) discuss the scientific and pedagogical importance of linear algebra; (b) show how vector arithmetic in solving geometric problems was used to introduce basic notions of linear algebra; (c) outline how the necessity principle was implemented in this approach.