Any tried and true methods for instructing VSL's in pre-cal studies?
2007-12-12 02:41:10 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Mathematics
Many of the precalculus courses feed visual-spatial learners (especially with sine, cosine, and tangent graphing), but there are different "types" of precalculus courses. I recently transitioned from a precalculus course at another school that mainly fed the visual learner by the end with trigonometry, but also helped the more logical (algebraic) individual. I had a harder time in that class because I could not visualize why certain things occurred. (I am a visual-spatial learner)
My current school offers a different sort of learning, that of precalculus and modeling, which shows why and how an algebraic function occurs, just from looking at and plotting data. It enriches me, but I do see that many of my algebraic peers are having difficulty with the course. They were more into algebra, while I was more into geometry.
Graphing honestly helps the VSL understand and derive formulas for themselves, instead of copying a textbook formula down and using that. That process hinders the VSL more than it teaches. PurpleMath.com is a good website that teaches the VSL in comprehensable terms.
2007-12-12 13:55:01 · answer #1 · answered by swedish_fish 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Much of pre-calc reviews algebra, which of course is very visual when done right (equation solving layout), not to mention all the graphing associated with analyzing functions and zeros of polynomials. The geometry and vector parts are rich in diagrams, and much of the trig comes back to basic reference triangles with respect to the coordinate axes. Conics! They're all about connecting the equations to the graphs. If anything, a VSL has a huge advantage in precalc. And in calculus, too, given the much more extensive use of graphs, diagrams, and pictures in contemporary textbooks as compared to those of a generation or 2 ago. I know from having seen all these changes during my career. Biggest influence, of course, was graphing calculators. Make sure the VSL is equipped with a TI-84 and knows how to use it.
2007-12-12 03:03:48 · answer #2 · answered by Philo 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Visual-spatial too...I have to write things down and then re-read them to learn.
2016-05-23 05:18:24 · answer #3 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋