The learning of probabilistic concepts: a teaching experiment using GeoGebra with 10th grade students in Costa Rica

Abstract

In this paper, we present the results of a study aiming at understanding the learning of 10^th grade Costa Rican students regarding basic concepts of Probability, in the context of a teaching experiment supported on exploratory tasks using GeoGebra. The study also aims at understanding the contributions of this software to support students’ learning. This qualitative and interpretative study is based on data collected from participant observation of the lessons taught during the experiment, the students’ work on the proposed tasks and a questionnaire. The results show that the exploratory tasks with simulation support allowed the students to deepen basic concepts of Probability and infer associated properties, promoting their learning.  However, some evidenced difficulties suggest the need to pay attention to students’ prior beliefs resulting from their daily experiences, about terms related to the concept of Probability. The GeoGebra played an important role in these students’ learning, facilitating the visualization of probabilistic concepts representations and their dynamic exploration.