Teaching of loci in key-stage 4 CHIANG Kin-nam Mathematics Education Section 2004

Working with locus problems involves  Describing the locus in words and in mathematical forms  Giving reasons or proof for your description

Main Tasks  To help students to construct their own understanding  To help students to transfer mathematical knowledge  To create situations that will foster their making the necessary mental constructions

Teaching Approaches  Decompose the mathematical concept into developmental steps that enable students to learn the concept more easily  Use Cooperative Learning Strategy (Group Activities)  Use of Information Technology

Contents  Qualitative treatment of locus  Introduce the five common loci  Formal ways of discovering loci  Investigate cases on different conditions that can give rise to the same locus  Coordinate treatment of simple locus

Suggested Class Activities 1. Rolling coins 2. Rolling box 3. Sliding ladder;…

Resources  Assessment items  Materials in the web-based resources on the Learning and Teaching of Selected New Topics