Enhancing Digital Skills of Early Childhood Teachers Through Online Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math Training Programs in Estonia

2022

Teacher professional development programs, including mid- and long-term Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math (STEAM) courses, have recently moved from in person learning at university premises to an online environment. Whether it is a temporary change in learning methods caused by the COVID-19 restrictions or whether it will become a new normal is currently under discussion in many teacher training institutions around the world. The aim of this study was to design and implement time- and money-saving synchronous online teacher training format for conducting co-design courses for early childhood teachers in the theme of STEAM integrated learning activities. Based on Tallinn University…

Mathematical and Coding Lessons Based on Creative Origami Activities

2019

AbstractThis paper considers how creativity and creative activities can be encouraged in regular mathematical classes by combining different teaching approaches and academic disciplines. We combined origami and paper folding with fractals and their mathematical properties as well as with coding in Scratch in order to facilitate learning mathematics and computer science. We conducted a case study experiment in a Serbian school with 15 high school students and applied different strategies for learning profound mathematical and coding concepts such as fractals dimension and recursion. The goal of the study was to employ creative activities and examine students’ activities during this process i…

Learning Mathematical Concepts as a Whole-Body Experience

2019

GeoMaTech: Integrating Technology and New Pedagogical Approaches Into Primary and Secondary School Teaching to Enhance Mathematics Education in Hunga…

2015

During the past decades, technology has been becoming an integral part of everyday life and slowly shaping mathematics and science teaching and learning (e.g. Heid & Blume, 2008). Although there have been enormous investments on educational technologies in many countries technology has yet to make a sizable impact on education (e.g. Drijvers et al., 2010). On the one hand students are becoming increasingly proficient users of technology while on the other hand opportunities offered by technologies have still little been utilized. Nevertheless, as technologies are becoming more integrated into education, they are providing new opportunities for pedagogical approaches and classroom organizati…

Developing Primary School Students’ Formal Geometric Definitions Knowledge by Connecting Origami and Technology

2019

In this paper, we present opportunities with the uses of origami and technology, in our case GeoGebra, in teaching formal geometric definitions for fifth-grade primary school students (11-12yrs). Applying origami in mathematical lessons is becoming to be recognized as a valuable tool for improving students’ mathematical knowledge. In previous studies, we developed origami and technology activities for high-school mathematics, but we wanted to explore if such approach would work in primary school as well. For this reason, we chose a flat origami model оf the crane and we used this model to introduce students to basic geometrical notions and definitions, such as points, lines, intersections o…

Ideas for using GeoGebra and Origami in Teaching Regular Polyhedrons Lessons

2018

The approach of combining GeoGebra and origami is well accepted among students in the school "Petro Kuzmjak" where it is used to teach geometry lessons. This article elaborates on how to introduce students (upper elementary and high school students, age 14-18) to Platonic solids and their properties through combination of GeoGebra and origami activities. Some of the important mathematical concepts related to these well-known geometrical solids can be explained to students applying hands-on activities along with educational software. peerReviewed

Kids Inspire Kids for STEAM

2017

Abstract The goal of the Kids Inspiring Kids in STEAM (KIKS) project was to raise students' awareness towards the multi- and transdisciplinary connections between the STEAM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Mathematics), and make the learning about topics and phenomena from these fields more enjoyable. In order to achieve these goals, KIKS project has popularized the STEAM-concept by projects based on the students inspiring other students-approach and by utilizing new technologies, tools, open educational resources, and everyday items and materials. Through the students-inspiring-other-students-approach, we have aimed to get participating students developing STEAM activitie…

STEAM Practices to Explore Ancient Architectures Using Augmented Reality and 3D Printing with GeoGebra

2021

Abstract In this study, we develop mathematical educational practices for students to explore ancient buildings using GeoGebra, Augmented Reality and 3D printing. It is an interdisciplinary approach, intertwining history, culture, mathematics, and engineering. For example, the 3D modelling of Cheomseongdae in Korea and the Temple of Dendera in Egypt can enable students to practice a multimodal set of traditional and innovative learning approaches. Students might use their mathematical knowledge to reflect on architectural and cultural history in a modeling task.

STEAMTEACH Austria: Towards a STEAM Professional Development Program

2022

The STEAMTEACH (STEAM Education for Teaching Professionalism) project works with teacher trainers to develop a program of Transcultural STEAM Professional Development for in- and pre-service teachers. Following a literature review, a semi-structured questionnaire then interviews approach was used to elicit current practice, challenges for teachers and recommendations from Austrian teacher trainers. These recommendations were then compared with and supported by STEAM academic literature. It was found that none of the institutions offered a STEAM approach and it does not appear in the curriculum. Indeed, this fact is the primary challenge to overcome. Recommendations were that teachers should…

Hothousing: Utilising industry collaborative problem-solving practices for STEAM in schools

2022

Collaborative problem solving (CPS) has been widely used in both industry and in schools over at least the last twenty years. The Industry Hothousing variant of CPS in its adult format is an intensive, time-constrained workshop based process designed to build mutual trust between customers and industry experts in order to synergically develop creative solutions together. Its potential use in schools raises two important questions: Firstly, what degree of structure and support is required to unleash student creativity and enhance learning - as in industry or does the student need more structured methods including explicitly being taught collaborative problem solving skills? Secondly, is CPS …

Mathematics and Art Connections Expressed in Artworks by South African Students

2022

In this chapter, we examine a collection of drawings, and paintings from South African students between the ages of 10 to 17, that provide fresh and original perceptions to some already known topics, but also several unexpected connections between mathematics and art. These works reference classic math-art connections such as: golden ratio, spirals, infinity, and geometric figures; they also contain several personal reflections, unique discoveries and references to ethnomathematical connections within the African cultural heritage. To introduce their pieces and themselves, students shared their own interpretations of their artworks. These commentaries make possible the identification of cog…

KIKS Creativity and Technology for All

2019

Abstract To help meet an educational and societal requirement for all students to enjoy, have confidence and ability in creativity and technology, the “Kids Inspiring Kids in STEAM” (KIKS) EU project adopted an intensive Hothousing process challenging students in Finland, Spain, Hungary and the United Kingdom to engage in collaborative problem solving to develop solutions to: “How would you get your schoolmates to LOVE STEAM?” The project provided a process and technology toolkit for students, including those with special educational needs, to achieve their solutions. A completion rate of 90% suggested that all schools and students could cope with and enjoy the process and associated techno…

Introducing Golden Section in the Mathematics Class to Develop Critical Thinking from the STEAM Perspective

2021

The Golden Section is a mathematical concept that is one of the most famous examples of connections between mathematics and the arts. Despite its widespread references in various areas of nature, art, architecture, literature, music, or aesthetics, discussions of the golden ratio often turn out to be false or misleading. Most of the incorrect statements are based on approximations or stem from the lack of checking the facts, making scientific mistakes in verifying the original scientific, historical, cultural context, or performing arbitrary operations in the measurements. This article offers geometric data and measurements, which allow the students to explore the golden ratio in various co…

Renewable Energy Resources for Mathematics Learning : Windmills and Water Wheels at the Math Class

2018

The Finnish National Core Curriculum has been renewed in 2014 and the National Core Curriculum of Korea has been renewed in 2015. Although, the Finnish and the Korean educational culture is radically different from each other, they are both producing top results in international educational assessments and their renewed curricula contain some very similar components. The "multidisciplinary learning module" in Finland and the "STEAM framework" in Korea are both emphasizing the complexity of phenomena, which can be understood only in context and by employing multiple perspectives based on the combination of various subjects. In this workshop, we introduce how to construct windmills and water …

Organizing Children and Youth Mathematical Art Exhibits and Interpreting MathArt-works through a Collaborative, Transdisciplinary Practice

2020

This workshop will build upon a process developed by some of the authors for interpreting the mathematical and artistic knowledge demonstrated in MathArt-works created by children and youth. The participants will be separated into small groups and be given a MathArt-work to interpret. Each group will develop their own “Rhizomatic” representation of their interpretation which will be shared with the whole group during a “Gallery Walk” exhibition. Finally, all participants will discuss the creation of a network of practitioners interested in organizing children and youth mathematical art exhibits. peerReviewed

Omnidirectional Robot Construction at the Math Class

2017

The goal for this workshop is to expose participants to an example of the Experience Workshop Math-Art Movement’s implementation of robot-design and construction in the mathematics classroom. While participants experiment with solving the problem of how to build an omnidirectional robot—a vehicle capable of driving in any direction in a 2D plane—several physical phenomena and properties can be discovered through geometrical measurements and mathematical calculations. After the mechanical problems have been resolved, the participating students can develop individual character to their robots by improving the aesthetics of their design, while also considering practical and technological quest…

Developing and Evaluating Educational Innovations for STEAM Education in Rapidly Changing Digital Technology Environments

2022

In this paper, we offer three examples from our research projects on both technological and pedagogical innovations to illustrate the impact of rapid technology changes on research. Members of our research team both developed and used technology applications in their research projects, utilizing design-based research (DBR). During the experiments, we encountered new challenges by the end of the research cycle due to updates in technologies. Although we had an idea of how to redesign the project for the next cycle based on the analyses of data, we noticed that we needed to not only redesign our approaches based on the research results but the changes in technologies were so rapid that materi…

Environmental Problem-solving and Hands-on Geometry Learning through Storytelling inside a Geodesic Dome : Ice, Honey and Stardust

2019

In this workshop, we introduce a STEAM learning activity based on the construction of geodesic domes. This workshop will engage participants in various preliminary and exploratory constructions, while also applying the geometry of geodesic domes to approximate hemispheres. Various storytelling, role-playing, and environmental connections that can provide needed context for learners of all ages are explored. peerReviewed

Integrating STEM-related Technologies into Mathematics Education at Large Scale

2020

This paper outlines the growing phenomenon and need to integrate technologies into mathematics and science teaching and learning. There are a number of successful projects for valuable integration of technologies around the world, however, these successes are often limited reaching a relatively small number of teachers and students. In this paper, we aim to offer examples of large-scale technology projects that could create a critical mass of users that could further drive innovation and sustainability for educational technology integration. We outline how GeoGebra became one of the most widely used dynamic mathematics software with a user base of more than 100 million; highlight directions…

Two Solutions to an Unsolvable Problem: Connecting Origami and GeoGebra in a Serbian High School

2014

Our “Visuality & Mathematics — Experiential Education of Mathematics Through the Use of Visual Art, Science, and Playful Activities” Tempus Project started in 2012 with the cooperation of eight European universities and scientific institutions, in order to develop Serbian mathematics education with technological equipment and interactive, experience-centered, and art-related content. The general objectives of this two-year-long project are justified by the findings of the PISA 2012 survey as well, which show that 15-year old Serbian students' mathematics performance is significantly below the OECD average. For the improvement of the Serbian students' mathematical literacy and abilities, wha…