In early 2008, sigma invited Dr Chris Sangwin of Birmingham University to make a presentation about GeoGebra at Loughborough University and the staff were so impressed with its potential for the Loughborough University Science and Engineering Foundation Studies (SEFS) programme that a Proactive Teaching Initiative team was set up to investigate its use to support the students’ understanding of mathematics. The fact that GeoGebra was free software – so students could download their own copies – was a factor influencing the decision to undertake this project. The mathematics taught within the SEFS programme is broadly of an A level standard but is focussed specifically on topics students need as prerequisites for their chosen degree in engineering or science. Many of the SEFS students have had less than a satisfactory experience of mathematics prior to coming to University and achieved only minimal success. Some are not highly motivated to study mathematics and are quite open that they do not enjoy it. In recent years there have been high failure rates and so it was thought that use of GeoGebra would enable a novel approach, using technology, to be taken to some familiar topics which, in turn, would enthuse the students and engage their interest.
At Easter 2008, seven members of staff and two research students volunteered to prepare and run a programme of activity in the Autumn term 2008, and to contribute to an evaluation of its efficacy. Four special two-hour GeoGebra tutorials ran during the Autumn term. Working in four pairs, eight tutors prepared four tutorials. They then met together to present the work to each other and to receive feedback and make modifications. This proved a very valuable professional development experience for all those involved.
The full set of student and staff worksheets is available below:
* indicates LaTeX file