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Honors: All College Participants
Teaching Functions: The Good, the Bad, and the Many Ways to Do Better
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
Major
Mathematics with Secondary Certification
Minor
Spanish
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Dr. Craig Collins; Dr. Warren Edminster
Presentation Format
Oral Presentation
Abstract/Description
The way functions are taught in school is lacking. Many times when students are introduced to functions in Algebra 2, the definition is glossed over, the instruction is lacking, and deeper understanding of the concept is lost. This causes problems when students are required to use this knowledge of functions in later classes, particularly, in Precalculus and Calculus. First, this paper will give the definition of a function and its role in mathematics. Second, this paper will delve into the problems of teaching functions the standard way. Finally, it will present multiple alternative methods for teaching functions. Specifically, it will talk about teaching the student in multiple manners including visually, auditorily, technologically, and kinesthetically. While there is no specific “best way” to teach functions, this paper will show new and creative ways to teach a subject that students often times dislike. Ultimately, this paper will persuade current and future teachers to choose an alternative way to teach not only functions, but also any concept, mathematical or otherwise.
Location
Classroom 211, Waterfield Library
Start Date
November 2016
End Date
November 2016
Affiliations
Honors Thesis
Teaching Functions: The Good, the Bad, and the Many Ways to Do Better
Classroom 211, Waterfield Library
The way functions are taught in school is lacking. Many times when students are introduced to functions in Algebra 2, the definition is glossed over, the instruction is lacking, and deeper understanding of the concept is lost. This causes problems when students are required to use this knowledge of functions in later classes, particularly, in Precalculus and Calculus. First, this paper will give the definition of a function and its role in mathematics. Second, this paper will delve into the problems of teaching functions the standard way. Finally, it will present multiple alternative methods for teaching functions. Specifically, it will talk about teaching the student in multiple manners including visually, auditorily, technologically, and kinesthetically. While there is no specific “best way” to teach functions, this paper will show new and creative ways to teach a subject that students often times dislike. Ultimately, this paper will persuade current and future teachers to choose an alternative way to teach not only functions, but also any concept, mathematical or otherwise.