WAYS OF LINKING GEOMETRY AND ALGEBRA: THE CASE OF GEOGEBRA

Abstract

This paper discusses ways of enhancing the teaching of mathematics through enabling learners to gain stronger links between geometry and algebra. The vehicle for this is consideration of the affordances of GeoGebra, a form of freely-available open-source software that provides a versatile tool for visualising mathematical ideas from elementary through to university level. Following exemplification of teaching ideas using GeoGebra for secondary school mathematics, the paper considers current emphases on geometry and algebra in the school curriculum and the current (and potential) impact of technology (such as GeoGebra). The paper concludes by raising the implications of technological developments such as GeoGebra for the pre-service education and inservice professional development of teachers of mathematics.