| The world of mathematics represents to some people a mysterious, unknowable, and often frightening place full of dull facts and figures. On the other hand, mathematicians claim that the beauty of mathematics evokes passion and drives their quest for new relationships and proofs. If students experienced mathematics as an art form rather than a tool of science, a rewarding study rather than a drudgery, a dynamic, creative exercise rather than a set of static rules, would they begin to understand something about real mathematics? Would they be more receptive to exploring mathematics and more capable of acquiring the mathematical skill required by the highly technological society in which we live? Studying mathematics through the medium of art may offer students an opportunity to engage mathematics in ways which alter their previous misconceptions, improve their understanding and motivate them to learn more. This study examined the effects of such an approach to mathematics with so-called at-risk students in an alternative learning environment. (Abstract shortened by UMI.). |
