Electronic Proceedings of the Twenty-sixth Annual International Conference on Technology in Collegiate Mathematics

San Antonio, Texas, March 20-23, 2014

Paper S125

This is an electronic reprint, reproduced by permission of Pearson Education Inc. Originally appeared in the Proceedings of the Twenty-sixth Annual International Conference on Technology in Collegiate Mathematics, ISBN 0113866726,Copyright (C) 2015 by Pearson Education, Inc.


Addressing Math Anxiety in Teaching Mathematics Using Photography and Geogebra

Joseph M. Furner


Florida Atlantic University
5353 Parkside Drive, ED 207D
Jupiter, FL 33458


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Carol A. Marinas


Barry University
11300 NE 2nd Avenue
Miami, FL 33161


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ABSTRACT

By inserting photographs into GeoGebra software and exploring various objectives related to the new Common Core Math Standards, the presenters will motivate students to learn math and minimize math anxiety. While covering the new Common Core Standards, the topics will explore the math that surrounds us in the real world thus creating a connection between the abstract math and the life experiences. When math has a purpose, then students are willing to spend time in exploring and understanding new concepts. Real-life photographs that are inserted into GeoGebra will provide the basis to observe relationships with different and similar shapes. The shapes will be given their mathematical names and explore similarities and differences. Those similar shapes will be classified as similar and/or congruent figures. Besides recognition of congruent figures in the photographs, the mathematical measurements of one-to-one ratios along with congruent angles are calculated by GeoGebra. The measurements of the similar figures will see congruent angles but proportional ratios of their sides. Technology like GeoGebra can help motivate young learners to enjoy learning mathematics while addressing math anxiety and attitudes. The presentation/paper will show educators how by importing photography into the GeoGebra software, teachers can explain math concepts and make the learning of math more real-world and relevant. In an age of STEM, it is critical that we motivate and turn young people onto math through technology. Online websites and resources for addressing math anxiety and attitudes will also be shared.

Keyword(s): GeoGebra, geometry, applications