The reinvention method for the gifted students in mathematics education according to Freudenthal's theory

Freudenthal의 재발명 방법에 근거한 초등 수학영재 지도 방안

  • Kang, Heung-Kyu (Department of Mathematics Education, Gongju National University of Education)
  • Published : 2005.05.01

Abstract

In modern theory, creativity is an aim of mathematics education not only for the gifted but also fur the general students. The assertion that we must cultivate the creativity for the gifted students and drill the mechanical activity for the general students are unreasonable. Freudenthal has advocated the reinvention method, a pedagogical principle in mathematics education, which would promote the creativity. In this method, the pupils start with a meaningful context, not ready-made concepts, and invent informative method through which he could arrive at the formative concepts progressively. In many face the reinvention method is contrary to the traditional method. In traditional method, which was named as 'concretization method' by Freudenthal, the pupils start with ready-made concepts, and applicate this concepts to various instances through which he could arrive at the understanding progressively. Freudenthal believed that the mathematical creativity could not be cultivated through the concretization method in which the teacher transmit a ready-made concept to the pupils. In the article, we close examined the reinvention method, and presented a context of delivery route which is a illustration of reinvention method. Through that context, the principle of pascal's triangle is reinvented progressively.

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