Silla University Holds Special Lecture on Math Learning Tools to Enhance Pre-Service Teachers' Competencies

The Department of Mathematics Education at Silla University conducted a special lecture to enhance the capabilities of prospective teachers by using middle school teaching aids for improving mathematics learning.

This special lecture was held over two months from April to May, featuring Kim Kyung-mi, a researcher from the WISET Silla University project team, and Byeon Hye-young, a commentator from the Busan Mathematics Culture Center, as instructors.

During the lecture, prospective teachers directly experienced teaching aids and games such as ▲4D Frame ▲Geopix ▲Jonodome System ▲Curved Surface Exploration ▲Cryptography, and discussed ways to utilize them in mathematics classes.

Mathematics education students are directly experiencing teaching aids.

Mathematics classes using teaching aids have strengths such as visual learning support, experiential learning, cooperation and interaction, as well as increased interest and participation among students.

Recognizing these strengths, this special lecture was designed to develop the ability to design and implement classes that both teachers and students can enjoy. Silla University stated that it is expected to help prospective teachers try various mathematics teaching methods.

Hong Young-bin, a student from the Department of Mathematics Education at Silla University, said, “Activities where middle school students can directly touch and create teaching aids seem helpful for intuitively understanding mathematics or developing interest in studying. If I had received classes using such teaching aids when I was in middle school, I think I would have studied more enjoyably.”

Kim Kyung-mi, the researcher, and Byeon Hye-young, the commentator who conducted the special lecture, said, “We appreciate the active participation of prospective teachers in the lecture,” and added, “We hope they become future mathematics teachers who provide middle school students with opportunities to think creatively by using such teaching aids, even if not in every class.”

The Department of Mathematics Education at Silla University is also planning various special lectures during the summer vacation and the second semester, including mathematics learning lectures using engineering tools and special classes for students struggling with mathematics or gifted students, to strengthen the capabilities of prospective teachers.