Students’ Learning Experiences When using a Dynamic Geometry Software Tool in a Geometry Lesson at Secondary School in Ethiopia

Abstract

Students learning experiences were investigated in geometry lesson when using Dynamic Geometry Software (DGS) tool in geometry learning in 25 Ethiopian secondary students.  The research data were drawn from the used worksheets, classroom observations, results of pre- and post-test, a questionnaire and interview responses.  I used GeoGebra as a DGS tool with research questions relating to the aspects of (1) motivation, (2) interactions and discussions, (3) student-centered learning, (4) conceptual understanding, and (5) Problem _solving strategies. The questions were embedded in an instructional research intervention. The intervention comprised the use of worksheets and applets we developed through GeoGebra. The results showed that the use of a DGS tool with the presence of other factors, such as group work and the use of worksheets brought about certain changes in students ‘learning experiences’ of the geometrical concepts. Students were well motivated, but discussion and interaction were limited (due to time limitations) and results on students ‘conceptual understanding’ and problem-solving strategies were only partly satisfactory, but improved during the intervention.

Keywords: Dynamic Geometry Software; GeoGebra; learning experiences; Conceptual Understanding; Problem – Solving Strategies