O uso de softwares para o ensino de funções

Abstract

The present paper has had as objective to analyze the contributions of the use of computer programs for teaching Functions, on the context of the Math discipline, in high school, on contextualization situations. The theme Functions is one of the most important in Math, but its study presents many difficulties due to its amount of topics and several representations. That topic has been extremely useful for the life of the student and it is fundamental that the teacher think about ways that benefit the acquisition of this knowledge. It is believed that the use of technological resources provides a change in roles inside the classroom. The teacher assumes the knowledge mediator role and the student has more autonomy, becoming an active individual on its learning and building knowledge. The objective of using these tools is to increase the experiences and stimulate the valorization of the Math skills through different resources. Relating the Function content with its algebraic representation, graphic images, daily problems and interesting activities, the student is stimulated to appreciate more this theme and shows more dedication to learn about it. The research has been developed through searching for publications related to the theme on Thesis and Dissertation Catalog, by the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES) on the keywords “functions” and “computer programs”. 27 documents were found from this search. They were analyzed to assist the objective of this research. During the reading of the publications, it is perceived a wide variety of computer programs that can contribute for teaching and learning Functions. The dissertations also indicate that the use of a computer in class encourages the participation of the students who demonstrate more enthusiasm and actively engage the proposed activities. It is expected that the knowledge and use of these resources may contribute in an effective way on the Math teacher performance and in the significant learning of the theme Functions in high school.