Talk by Dr. Matt Roscoe (Mathematics Department, University of Montana)

2/21/2019  Wilson Hall 1-144  4:10-5:00pm

Abstract: Right triangle trigonometry is traditionally taught using action-oriented strategies (i.e. SOHCAHTOA).  While action-oriented strategies can be helpful in solving problems that arrive in recognizable form, they rarely provide opportunity for deeper understanding of mathematical objects.  We applied the Action-Process-Object-Schema (APOS) framework to study student’s understanding of right triangle trigonometry associated with a 3-day teaching experiment in which students engaged in a measurement approach to trigonometry using a special set of 3D-printed manipulatives.  We report on the results of our investigation in this presentation.