Engineering students' incoming knowledge of analytical geometry in three-dimensional space is very weak and is often limited to calculating the volumes of solids. During the Linear Algebra course, they begin to see planes and straight lines in space but, due to lack of time, quadrics are rarely treated. In this contribution we want to investigate the evolution of spatial ability of 38 Civil and Environmental Engineering students during a Mathematical Analysis II course thanks to the use of GeoGebra during the lessons. To do this, 3 graphic designs tasks were analysed, which include 1 pre-task, 1 homework task on multivariable integral calculus and 1 exercise of the partial exams on the same subject. The analysis was done with the help of the APOS theory. The students' use of GeoGebra was revealed by examining the answers to an open survey. The results are encouraging, most of the students have constructed a “Process” conception of the graphical representation.

GeoGebra to help Engineering students to improve 3d visualization in a multidimensional calculus course

Maria Antonietta Lepellere
2024-01-01

Abstract

Engineering students' incoming knowledge of analytical geometry in three-dimensional space is very weak and is often limited to calculating the volumes of solids. During the Linear Algebra course, they begin to see planes and straight lines in space but, due to lack of time, quadrics are rarely treated. In this contribution we want to investigate the evolution of spatial ability of 38 Civil and Environmental Engineering students during a Mathematical Analysis II course thanks to the use of GeoGebra during the lessons. To do this, 3 graphic designs tasks were analysed, which include 1 pre-task, 1 homework task on multivariable integral calculus and 1 exercise of the partial exams on the same subject. The analysis was done with the help of the APOS theory. The students' use of GeoGebra was revealed by examining the answers to an open survey. The results are encouraging, most of the students have constructed a “Process” conception of the graphical representation.
2024
978-88-6629-080-3
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11390/1295244
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