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Conceptual learning through learning objects: application in Mathematics classrooms in secondary schools
1. Conceptual learning through learning objects: application in mathematics classrooms in secondary schools Thomas Chiu Kin Fung Acknowledgements to Dr. Daniel Churchill Faculty of Education (HKU) SKH Holy Trinity Church Secondary School
2. Overview Background and problems Research question Principles of design for conceptual learning Examples of other IT educational tools Our proposed learning objects. Students’ responses My observations Final words Way forward
3. Background Secondary school mathematics focuses on developing algorithmic skills, rather than mathematical understanding. (Attorps, 2006; Sierpinska, 1994) Teachers spend less time and attention on conceptual knowledge. (Attorps, 2006; Menzel and Clarke, 1999)
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7. they have seen beforeNot be able to understand the relationships between concepts and know ledges Examples: a) x2+2x+1=0 b) x2+2x = –1 c) x(x+2)+1=0
8. What conceptual-model design characteristics optimize problem-solving skill transferof key algebra concepts in the secondary school mathematics curriculum in Hong Kong?
26. Design of the proposed learning objects Learning objects Design of multimedia learning Suggestions for design of learning objects Design of subject matter (theory of variation)
32. Words: equations, expression, numbers and symbols, theorems, notation, symbolic expressions, formula and figures(Mayer, 2009; NTCM)
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34. Layout should provide a direction for learning key concepts from some related concepts(Mayer, 2009)
35. Some other IT tools Quadratic Equation Calculator GeoGebra Publisher’s Resource(New ways) Students only know what the solutions are/what the graphs look like with those IT tools.
36. The proposed learning objects Version 1 Decimal, no signaling and large range (-100 to 100) of the control value Version 2 Decimal, signaling, smaller ranges (-5 to 5) of control value
37. The proposed learning objects Version 3 More information – cognitive overload Version 4 Fraction, signaling, suitable amount of conceptand suitable range of control value
56. Final words Ineffective learning Knowledge Procedural knowledge Conceptual knowledge Concept Conceptual knowledge Concept
57. Final words Learn with learning objects (effective conceptual learning) Knowledge Conceptual knowledge Concept Concept
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59. Other topic with basic concepts are recommended to develop first.
60. Apply conceptual models with other types of learning objects.
61. More “cognitive resources” should be provided.
62. Situated learning may be required.
63. Conceptual models become more effective and “real”.
64. They may be suggestions for teacher to choose educational tools.Developed by Dr Churchill
Notas del editor
There are three principles for designThe first one multimedia learning it is the core for my designMayer defined multimedia learning as leaning with audio and visual. And conducted many tests to develop 12 ways for design a good multimedia learning. He suggest the graphics and word should be placed to each other, no decoration.On the other hand, Churchill suggests that when we design conceptual model, the color should be comfortable and interactive control is necessary.These two suggestions can help optimize student learning outcome.How about subject matter?
The final one is about pedagogical knowledge. I use theory of variation in my design. It Is one of the good teaching method to teach algebra. It allows students to see a problem from different perspectives. They also can experience them .It may help students to get the mathematical concept easily.
Now we know that what this studies based. On This diagram shows my idea on how to the proposed learning objects. I believe that these three element s does contribute to the design of conceptual models. Based on that, I identify five characteristics.
In mathematical domain , we have many notation and terms.I classified them into two categories: pictures and words to implement multimedia learning
The final two characteristics are multi-interactive and sequence of the conceptsThe model should allow student to control, to get them involved in the lesson, let them experience, observe and think to have their own understanding. They should learn it on their own pace. Weak students can get motivated . Smart students could learn more.The final characteristics suggest students should have prerequisite knowledge and guideline should be given to them
Before I show you my design, I would like to talk about some other It tools.Calculator only helps students to verify their answer.This one only show students how the graph look slikeGeogebra is too complicated. It is too much.Students may find difficulty to learn with them, espeically the one with lower learning ability
I adopt a development cycle to construct the conceptual model. I design it and trial and re-design and re-design. It is number, graph, description, algebrabic form. I used the theory of variationThis one the range is too big. Students got confused. The color is too much.They don’t like it at all, I remembered. The first time female students saw it and said it is so disgusting.So I change to this. I even made signals for them. The delta will change color when its value is positive , zero and neagtive
Version 3, I tried to put more information. Finally, it didn’t work very well.Students got confused again. And the decimal number means nothing to students.So I change it to this version. I mean them with the coefficient .
Finally, I made the final change , I let student to control the curve. Students found it very exciting. It is my final design.I tried them in classroom in three different ways. I teach the concept with it.I also asked students to manipulate them with my instructions.I also asked a smart students to teach the concept he got with this.
Here are the students responses. Based on their responses, I made changes .You can see how I change the version.
Generally, I found that they become noisy and active, more excited to learn. The classroom become more interactive . They actually talked about the model – subject knowledge on their own will. Even if when I didn’t use them in classroom , they would still ask question based on their experience on the model. I believe that the model let them actually think , they can have longer memory., motivation and better understandingAnd also the model can cater different student with different learning ability.They also helped me to develop a good model.
I would like to use two cases to conclude my idea. With ineffective learning, no of learning “income” is equal to no of learning outcome. You provide knowledge, students get procedural knowledge.When you provide concept, students get conceptual knowledge
Learning with the models may have an effective conceptual model learningStudents may mixed the knowledge and concept become one big one
My design still have some limitations.I think the quadratic equation involved too many concepts. So I should develop other smaller topics with less concepts, like factorization, graph, function. And also it is better to work with other types of learning objects.This is another conceptual model for factorization. It is developed by dr. ChurchillIn hk, teachers may have to buy e-learning material. My idea could be a suggestion for mathematics teacher to choose the educational tools.