Introducing Angles in Grade Four: A Realistic Approach Based on the van Hiele Model

Authors

  • Angela Michelle Smart University of Ottawa

Keywords:

angle conceptualization, RME, van Hiele

Abstract

This article presents a discussion of the findings of a study of teaching and learning angles, following a theoretical framework that blends Realistic Mathematics Education (RME) and the van Hiele Model of Geometric Thinking. These theories also informed the design, experimentation, and evaluation of an introductory lesson on the idea of angle, and the relations between angles of different sizes in two different fourth grade classrooms. The teachers for the respective classrooms taught lessons that were based on a script and materials prepared by the researcher. At the end of the lesson the students provided written responses to questions on what they had learned during the lesson. Their answers and classroom observations provided a basis for the evaluation of the experiment. The research findings suggest the usefulness of lesson plans combining RME and the van Hiele Model in helping students develop an analytical conceptualization of angles.

Author Biography

Angela Michelle Smart, University of Ottawa

Facultly of Education, Department of Graduate Studies, PhD Student University of Ottawa

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Published

2009-07-28

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 1 (2009)

Section

Research Study/Recherche

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