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The use of spreadsheet in number pattern investigation
Citation
Ng, H. C., & Ng, S. F. (1999). The use of spreadsheet in number pattern investigation. In M. Waas (Ed.), Enhancing learning: Challenge of integrating thinking and information technology into the curriculum: Proceedings of the 12th Annual Conference of the Educational Research Association (pp. 1369-1373). Educational Research Association of Singapore.
Author
Ng, Hoe Cheong
•
Ng, Swee Fong
Abstract
This paper describes an action research study looking at primary six pupils using spreadsheets to investigate the last digit of the results of natural numbers which are raised to any whole number exponent. The teacher worked with 2 primary six classes of 18 and 19 pupils in the Gifted Education Programme (GEP). The pupils worked in pairs, each pair was given a laptop. The study showed that pupils were able to analyse and make conjectures regarding the cyclic patterns of the numbers generated in the investigation. The teacher facilitated the discussion among the pupils. The paper discusses the implications of the use of spreadsheets in the teaching and learning of mathematics and mathematical investigations among high ability primary pupils.
Date Issued
December 1999
Description
This paper was published in the 1999 Proceedings of the ERA Annual Conference held at Plaza Parkroyal Hotel, Singapore from 23-25 November 1998