In this paper, I discuss the potential transformations to teach K-12 geometry topics with the technology of 3D Pens, which enabled 3D models to be created instantly via one's moving hands. I draw on an example of using constructionist learning activities with 3D Pens to teach young children, 'how tall is the triangle?'

The overall purpose of this study was to investigate the role of personal relevance in conceptual change. First, we used an experimental design to investigate the role of augmented activation--which directly implicated teachers' personal prior beliefs about mathematics learning and instruction--and refutational text manipulations on short and…

Flipped instruction has been flaunted as a pedagogical strategy that supports improved learning and retentive abilities of students. Nevertheless, one of the twin challenges reported in the literature, students' failing to complete preparatory work, impedes the efficacy of the model. Thus, learners' motivation and attitude to work are essential…

The present day school system curtails children's natural growth and interferes with their freedom to explore. It is here that teachers have an opportunity to engage meaningfully with the student community, and make them and society aware of the importance to explore and become self-determined and autonomous learners. Sustained engagement of…

There is currently a consensus in mathematics education that favors constructivist instructional models, which are based on the inquiry of knowledge by students. There are, however, different views that consider objectivist models, based on knowledge transmission (direct or explicit teaching) more effective in the teaching of scientific…

The 5E instructional model is known for increasing student engagement and participation in the learning process. While viewing the video recorded lessons of middle school mathematics teachers, the researchers noticed teachers had a difficult time implementing the 5E model with fidelity. This case study explored the extent to which mathematics…

Interdisciplinary teaching in STEM is often seen as a collaboration of different subjects teaching a common theme. This view undermines successful interdisciplinary approaches that can be deployed in a single class. Two examples of interdisciplinary math lessons, using pie charts and bar charts respectively, will be used to demonstrate how this…

Thomas Kuhn (1962/2012) introduced the term "paradigm shift" to the scientific literature to describe how knowledge in science develops. The aims of this article are to identify paradigm shifts, or revolutions, that have occurred in mathematics, and to discuss their relevance to teaching mathematics in schools. The authors argue that…

Throughout the world, mathematics plays a vital role for the educational and developmental aspirations of any country. The quest to teach mathematical knowledge in a viable and effective way so as to induce creativity and applicability among learners is an ongoing challenge, especially for developing countries. A better understanding of how…

The aim of this study is to determine pre-service classroom teachers' beliefs and thoughts about the roles of teachers and students in the classroom before taking the Mathematics Teaching I course. With this purpose, the study employed the survey method, a descriptive research technique. The study sample included 75 pre-service teachers (55…

In this proposal, I introduce a method for modeling the dynamics of a sixth-grade student's accommodation of his fractions scheme to include a disembedding operation (Steffe & Olive, 2010). I will describe a three-part approach consisting of a constructivist teaching experiment, retrospective analysis, and stochastic modeling of the student's…

This study addresses the problem of mathematics teachers' resistance to problem-solving models that align with constructivist perspectives because they feel pressure to utilize more teaching approaches that focus on preparing students for high-stakes tests. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explain how ninth grade mathematics students…

Standardized tests have been selected as a key assessment factor in expanding the academic achievement of the national student population. However, these tests position immigrant students at the risk of academic failure, leading education experts to search for new strategies and teaching models. The "Handbook of Research on Assessment…

Mathematics teachers face a myriad of instructional obstacles. Since the early 1990s, mathematics education researchers have proposed the use of constructivist practices to counteract these ever-prevalent obstacles. While we do give credit to the choices of instructional activities the constructivist paradigm promotes, there are problems with its…

With the discussions on the nature of mathematics, mathematics is regarded as a value laden area. That it contains a wide range of values has led to consideration of new approaches in classroom practices. The modelling approach which also includes traditional problem solving is consistent with different values of mathematics. With the recognition…