Instructional+Strategies

__**Teacher-Centered Strategy**__

The teacher centered strategy will be used first in the classroom. In the beginning of the class I will show a video on Euclid (The video is embedded in this wiki's Mock Up page). The students will watch the video, and after I will ask if they have any questions about it. Next I will explain to them the rules that we will use in constructing figures in Geometry. I will proceed to show them an example of a construction using a compass, straightedge, and make it visible using whatever technology is available (whiteboard, document cam, etc...). Next, I will go through another construction, having a student help. The focus of this lesson will be on the axioms and tools of geometry, that they will use for the later lessons. Most of the technology used (other than the compass and straight edge) has the sole purpose of making what is taught visible to the learners. I can be flexible with whatever is provided in the classroom.  __**Learner-Centered Strategy **__

Next a learner-centered strategy will be used. In the computer lab the students will create constructions using GeoGebra (Link and information in this wiki's Mock Up page). Since it is the first time using GeoGebra, it will take some time for the students get onto the program and get used to it. I will go around the room answering questions on set up as they get familiar with the program. After they get the feel for the program, they will attempt to construct an equilateral triangle using the software. They will be able to help each other and ask questions during the class. If they are not able to finish, they will have later class time, or will be written a pass for another time. The Core Curriculum standards specify that the student should be able to use a variety of tools, including dynamic geometric software for making constructions. Using Geogebra will enhance what they have already learned about constructions by making it easy to create and manipulate them. If they make a mistake, rather than starting over, they will be able to click the undo button a few times. It will also save time by the ability to copy and paste, as well as screen shot each step and will be able to explain what they did.

