Students’ Attitudes towards Discovery Learning / Constructivistic Approach using Computers as Cognitive Tools in Higher Mathematics Education

Abstract

This paper analyses the discovery learning / constuctivistic approach using cognitive tools in higher Mathematics education and focuses on electronic worksheets designed and implemented in Mathematica. The approach was applied at the University of Piraeus. Students from the Department of Statistics and Insurance Sciences participated in the research. The paper focuses on empirical research results on students’ attitudes towards the approach, concerning the cognitive tool used (Mathematica), the approach’s discovery learning and constructivistic characteristics and the development of higher order thinking skills supported by the approach. Regarding factors that could influence students’ attitudes, gender and experience in using computers are investigated. This paper uses quantitative methods in analyzing data collected via the use of a questionnaire and the research approaches used are the descriptive / investigative and the correlational approach.