GeoGebra for Student-centered Discovery-based Math Learning

Concurrent Session 1 & 2 (combined)
Blended Equity and Inclusion

Session Materials

Brief Abstract

GeoGebra's free Math Open Educational Recourses (OERs) are leading the way for educators to incorporate customizable student-centered discovery-based learning in any teaching modality. Come with your device and learn how to increase access, equity, and engagement as you create your own course specific Tarsia (9-square) puzzle in GeoGebra.

Presenters

Lead Presenter: Robert Pontecorvo, Community Portal Self Registration Account

Robert Pontecorvo is a professional educator with over thirty-five years of experience teaching mathematics in both the public and private sector. He has served as the District Coordinator of Mathematics for the Sewanhaka Central High School District (the largest school district in Nassau County in Long Island, NY) where he oversaw more than eighty-five math teachers of grades seven through twelve. Rob has been an adjunct professor for Adelphi University’s and Queens College’s Math Education Programs and even taught mathematics on live television for three years. Rob has enjoyed a close relationship with GeoGebra since 2017 when, because of his initiative, he helped GeoGebra become the first calculator app permitted on a device for NY State high stakes exams. He happily joined the GeoGebra team in 2021 as their Assessment & Relations Lead. Rob lives on Long Island with his wife, children, and labradoodle.

Extended Abstract

The participants will be able to incorporate the free digital tools of GeoGebra to promote student-centered discovery-based learning in their lessons that are accessible to all students equitably and independent of their learning environment. They will have the opportunity to share and model their lessons for group members as each will be able to play the role of student and teacher.

Success will be determined when each participant is able to create and share out their own Tarsia with their group.

Timing:

10 minutes to discuss the history and mission of GeoGebra.

10 minutes to explore the GeoGebra calculators and discuss how these dynamic tools can be used to change the way one teaches.

15 minutes to explore a variety of free community created resources and to learn how to share resources out to a group.

25 minutes to create their own personal course specific Tarsia (9-square).

25 minutes to share out their creations with their group and monitor group activity.

5 minutes to ask questions

Participants will have the opportunity to create, share, and model their Tarsia (9-square) puzzle with group members at their table, as each person at the table will have the opportunity to play the role of both student and teacher. Teachers will be able to monitor their students' (table members') activity and progress with the Tarsia. Students at the table will have the opportunity to work through their teachers' (table members') course specific puzzle. Table members will have the opportunity to collaborate and help each other both from the student and teacher perspective. Success will be determined when each participant (table member) is able to create/share their own, and interact with another's resource at their table.