| Throughout my teaching career, I have used elements of the history of mathematics to enrich my lesson presentation and put mathematics in a human context. This study represents an attempt to formalize the procedure in order to determine more precisely its effects, if any, on my students' learning and understanding.;My study used an action research model involving ordinary Grade Eight mathematics students. I cross-referenced the mathematics from part of the curriculum with its historical background, and presented both in an interdisciplinary manner. Instructional materials were of my own design. Data was gathered through audiotaped discussions, daily student journals, questionnaires and interviews.;The study focused on two units of the mathematics eight course. For the first unit on basic arithmetic, I presented a historical account of the ancient Egyptian, Babylonian and Hindu civilizations concurrently with the mathematics. The second unit covered some elementary number theory and a study of powers and roots, and was taught in tandem with a history of the ancient Greek civilization. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)... |
