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

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Nov 15th, 9:30 AM Nov 15th, 12:30 PM

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.