Universal Journal of Educational Research Vol. 3(12), pp. 1034 - 1048
DOI: 10.13189/ujer.2015.031213
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Using History of Mathematics to Teach Volume Formula of Frustum Pyramids: Dissection Method

Suphi Onder Butuner ^*
Department of Elementary Mathematics Education, Bozok University, Turkey

ABSTRACT

Within recent years, history of mathematics (HoM) has become an increasingly popular topic. Studies have shown that student reactions to it depend on the ways they use history of mathematics. The present action research study aimed to make students deduce volume rules of frustum pyramids using the dissection method. Participants were 24 grade eight students from Trabzon. Observations, informal interviews and feedback forms were used as data collection tools. Worksheets were distributed to students and the research was conducted in 3 class hours. Student views on the activities were obtained through a written feedback form consisting of 4 questions. During the study, most students could assemble the parts forming frustum pyramids and find out volume rules of frustum square pyramids and frustum rectangular pyramids calculating the volumes of the geometric shapes obtained through that assembly. Several students had difficulties in recognizing geometric shapes as well as completing the calculations. The findings revealed that, prior to the study, most students were not able to complete similar activities and the mathematics course was taught in a teacher-centered way. Students found the activities interesting as well as instructing.

KEYWORDS
History of Mathematics, Dissection Method, Pyramid, Volume, Action Research

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Suphi Onder Butuner , "Using History of Mathematics to Teach Volume Formula of Frustum Pyramids: Dissection Method," Universal Journal of Educational Research, Vol. 3, No. 12, pp. 1034 - 1048, 2015. DOI: 10.13189/ujer.2015.031213.

(b). APA Format:
Suphi Onder Butuner (2015). Using History of Mathematics to Teach Volume Formula of Frustum Pyramids: Dissection Method. Universal Journal of Educational Research, 3(12), 1034 - 1048. DOI: 10.13189/ujer.2015.031213.