Exploring the Limits of Trigonometric Functions: Results and Reflections from a Pilot Study

Autor/inn/en	Man, Yiu-Kwong; Poon, Kin-Keung
Titel	Exploring the Limits of Trigonometric Functions: Results and Reflections from a Pilot Study
Quelle	In: International Journal of Mathematical Education in Science and Technology, 45 (2014) 2, S.214-226 (13 Seiten)Infoseite zur Zeitschrift PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	0020-739X
DOI	10.1080/0020739X.2013.822577
Schlagwörter	College Mathematics; Mathematics Instruction; Undergraduate Students; Calculators; Pretests Posttests; Teaching Methods; Trigonometry; Logical Thinking; Mathematical Logic; Theories; Cognitive Processes; Calculus; Majors (Students); Constructivism (Learning); Foreign Countries; Hong Kong + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Mathematics lessons; Mathematikunterricht; Calculator; Rechner; Rechenmaschine; Teaching method; Lehrmethode; Unterrichtsmethode; Trigonometrie; Mathematical logics; Mathematische Logik; Theory; Theorie; Cognitive process; Kognitiver Prozess; Analysis; Differenzialrechnung; Infinitesimalrechnung; Integralrechnung; Ausland; Hongkong
Abstract	In this paper, we report a pilot study on engaging a group of undergraduate students to explore the limits of sin(x)/x and tan(x)/x as x approaches to 0, with the use of non-graphic scientific calculators. By comparing the results in the pretest and the post-test, we found that the students had improvements in the tested items, which involved the basic concepts of limits, but had room for further improvement in those that required them to explain their answers. An analysis of the students' performances in the tests by using the APOS (i.e. action-process-object-schema) theory framework is reported. Reflections and suggestions on how to teach the topic more effectively are provided. (As Provided).
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Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2017/4/10