GIMM News Archives - GeoGebra Institute of Manila

UP NISMED trains for GeoGebra and Lesson Study

April 28, 2012 geogebraph GIMM News

Twenty mathematics teachers from Ligao National High School, Albay, participated in the Seminar-Workshop on Lesson Study on Teaching Mathematics Through Problem Solving with GeoGebra on 9 to 13 May 2011 at the University of the Philippines National Institute for Science and Mathematics Education Development (UP NISMED), UP Diliman. The aim of the seminar-workshop was to equip the participants with knowledge and skills in conducting lesson study in their schools as well as in integrating GeoGebra in teaching mathematics. Lesson study is a professional development model that originated in Japan, where teachers collaboratively develop, implement, critique, and improve a research lesson. GeoGebra is a free mathematics software that combines the capability of a dynamic geometry software and computer algebra system.

The seminar-workshop was divided into two parts. The first part focused on enabling the participants to conduct lesson study. The topics discussed were the importance of lesson study, its benefits and challenges, and the methodology in conducting it. It also highlighted teaching through problem solving, the teaching strategy being promoted in lesson study.

The second part focused on the use of GeoGebra in teaching mathematics. Participants were taught how to use the software which includes basic drawing, geometric construction, and graphing functions. At the end of the session, participants created their own applet and uploaded them on the web.

UP NISMED has been promoting lesson study since 2006 and is also the host of the GeoGebra Institute of Metro Manila, the first GeoGebra Institute in the Philippines.

Short-term courses on GeoGebra and laboratory techniques conducted

September 9, 2010 geogebraph GIMM News

NISMED offered two short-term courses this summer of 2010. The High School Mathematics Group, in cooperation with the Information Science Group, conducted a seminar on Using GeoGebra in Teaching Mathematics on May 22, 29, and June 5, 2010, while the High School Chemistry Group conducted a seminar on Laboratory Techniques, Management, and Safety for chemistry teachers and laboratory technicians from May 25 to 27, 2010.

The GeoGebra course, which was attended by 11 teachers, focused on the basics of GeoGebra such as geometric drawing and construction, exploration of properties of geometric figures, use of algebraic input to construct graphs and other mathematical objects, use of sliders in investigating family of functions and geometric transformations, and construction of web-based applets. Participants were asked to conceptualize an activity, create a GeoGebra worksheet about it, and formulate guide questions for students to answer. The output activity was exported to HTML and was uploaded to a free web server.

On the other hand, the chemistry short-term course, which was attended by 18 participants, was designed to develop participants’ practical skills required for teaching high school chemistry. Correct laboratory techniques and safety management were also emphasized. In addition, the program focused on the use, operation and maintenance of basic chemistry equipment, proper laboratory management, and practical chemistry activities. During the sessions, the participants were engaged in various hands-on activities involving use of different laboratory equipment and associated safety practices, preparation of solutions, separation of mixtures, microchemistry laboratory techniques, improvisation of audiovisual materials.

The GeoGebra course was facilitated by Guillermo P. Bautista Jr. of the High School Mathematics Group and John Alex M. Reyroso of the Information Science Group. The Chemistry short-term course was facilitated by the staff of the High School Chemistry and Audiovisual Groups.