STEM Strategies
Asynchronous Session
Commonplaces, Authority, Reasoning, and Experience: Developing Plausible Reasoning and Proof Within a Technologically Enhanced Mathematics Classroom View Digital Media
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Michael Connell
This paper addresses pedagogical considerations for successful development of plausible reasoning and proof within a technologically enhanced mathematics classroom. One such approach developed in this paper is encompassed in the acronym CARE where C refers to Commonplaces, A to Authority, R to Reasoning, and E to Experience. When applied within a technology enhanced mathematics classroom, these considerations help create mathematics classroom environments supporting student critical thinking, plausible reasoning, and emergent proof. An instructional example, together with discussion of supporting technology, is then presented showing how the CARE approach enables student development of advanced plausible reasoning strategies in mathematics within a technologically enhanced classroom.
Tangram Proficiency Leading to Numeracy Skills Enhancement View Digital Media
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Elymar Pascual
This study focuses on determining ways in which numeracy skills are enhanced through tangram. The community quarantine in the Philippines due to COVID-19 caused the design of this study to gather data through online tangram tournament. Seven learners accepted the seven-day challenge, solved 55 tangram puzzles and answered 6 qualitative questions. After a week of tangram challenge, findings were established. In solving tangram puzzles, players can consider (1) looking into details, (2) trial-and-error, or (3) planning. The best ways to solve tangram puzzles are (1) focusing on the whole portion, (2) focusing on the bigger portions, or (3) focusing on the smaller portions. Imagination plays an important role because (1) it makes things clear and the solution easier to obtain, (2) it put things into proper perspective, and (3) it reduces useless effort. Logical, analytical and critical thinking are enhanced because (1) proper flow of thought in the process of making decisions or conclusion is exercised, (b) deep thinking in considering different ways and solutions is given importance, and (c) correct reasoning based from facts or evidence is practiced. Numeracy skills are enhanced due to the following reasons: (1) Tangram can train the mind in dealing with abstracts and apply them in concrete things, (2) Tangram can assist in molding right attitude towards achieving goals and success, thereby improving skills like numeracy, (3) Tangram can aid learners in looking at the big picture without taking for granted the small details, and (4) Tangram can enhance skill in solving word problems.
Google Scholar Search Tips Instructional Module: User Testing and Design Modification View Digital Media
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Susan Epstein, Robyn Rosasco
An instructional unit on how to effectively and efficiently search the Google Scholar database, developed as an instructional design graduate class project in Fall 2020, will undergo formal user testing in Spring 2022. In order to improve the instructional module's design, users complete a pretest, the instructional module, a post-test, and a feedback survey. Based on the results, modifications are made to the module. Results of the user testing and subsequent design modifications will be available for dissemination. Initially intended for graduate-level biomedical students, the Google Scholar instructional module could also be used by undergraduate or secondary school students, teaching assistants, faculty, and staff. This module’s purpose is to guide learners to conduct proficient literature searches using Google Scholar, and provide practice so that they will be able to conduct such searches in the context of their educational and work environments.
