Aprendo Enseñando: Autonomy, Creativity, and Technology to Promote Mathematical Learning

Abstract

[EN] This article shortly describes some of the basic characteristics, the theoretical support, and the general framework behind an activity developed for Precalculus students named “Aprendo enseñando” (translates I Learn by Teaching), a semester-long task proposed to students aiming to elicit higher retention and deeper understanding of the mathematical procedures involved in solving the problem sets assigned for each class. The activity is brought to students as the opportunity to combine their mathematical training in class and their autonomous choices for means to present fully explained solutions to peers, involving creativity in the use of the means and technology as a requirement for the final product to be shareable over the internet. Basic examples to explore different choices were provided, periodic submissions were required, and to enhance engagement, peer review via Blackboard (Learning Management System) forums was in place. No analysis of outcomes has been conducted yet, but a retrospective view and self-critique from the teacher's point of view is provided.