Learning objectives
To be aware of the role of didactic mediators in teaching practice
Prerequisites
Concepts and models of Ditactics of Mathematics
Course unit content
Examples of didactic mediators and their classification. A survey of their nature, applicability and restraints.
Full programme
Presentation of the course. The concept of ‘mediator’ in the theory of prof. E. Damiano; classification of mediators: active, iconic, analogical, symbolic; example of conceptualization related to triangle; the software Excel as mediator: examples; the meaning of “semiotic mediation”; about the ‘resolution of triangles with Excel’; the software as mediator; the concepts of “artefact” and “ instrument” in relation to the “knowledge”; reading from Giusti about the concept of “mathematical object”; the mediator “squared paper”: an example of research, possible misconceptions related to the use of the mediator; distinction from “artefact” and “instrument” following Rabardel; the “problem of tangram”: the concepts of “continuum” and “discrete” by means of the use of the software; the problem of “Treasure hunt” and its solution between Cabri-Géomètre: positive and negative aspects; about Cabri-Géomètre software: potentiality and limits; examples; the software Cabri-Géomètre as mediator; a peinture as mediator: from some works of van Doesburg to mathematics; some mathematical concepts in Escher works; the concept of similitude starting from Escher works: analysis of the definition ; the similitude of parabolas with Cabri; non-Euclidean geometries: the Poincaré model, the software Cabri-Géomètre hyperbolic; circular inversion with Cabri; the use of software to change demonstration; examples og demonstrations based on ‘wrong’ figures: the role of software in the demonstration; final considerations and conclusion of the course.
Bibliography
Lectures notes
Teaching methods
Frontal lectures and laboratorialactivities involving school textbooks and tools
Assessment methods and criteria
Oral examination with discussion of an examination paper
Other information
Lectures nots will appear as 'Materiale didattico' on the page of Campusnet web site
