A utilização que os alunos fazem da calculadora gráfica nas aulas de Matemática

Abstract

This work intends to contribute to understand how pupils use the graphic calculator in mathematics classroom and to increase the knowledge about this use. The methodology adopted followed a case study approach. The participants were three 10th grade pupils. Data analysis shows that these pupils don’t know the graphic calculator very well, and that they don’t mind about that. They use it mainly to draw graphics and to solve equations and inequations, taking a small profit from the calculator’s potentialities. Pupils’ main difficulties are related to the interpretation of information given by the graphic calculator. These findings appear to be related to teacher’s practice, especially regarding his attention to pupils’ use of the graphic calculator and the type of tasks he proposes in the classroom.