Mathematics teaching, Mathematics history and Meaningful Learning: a possible combination

Abstract

This article presents the results of a master’s research which investigated the possibility to reach a Meaningful Learning of the Functions concept, using the history of the concept developing as a teaching way. Based on the Meaningful Learning Theory, by David Ausubel, and on the Concept Maps Theory, by Joseph Novak, the results indicates the Mathematics History, on a linear evolutionist perspective, can provide a meaningful learning occurrence.

Keywords

• Mathematics Teaching
• Mathematics History
• Meaningful Learning
• Functions
• Conceptual Maps