Exploring Graph Slopes Through a Series of Embodied Learning Experiences

Abstract

This study presents a sequence of embodied learning designed to help students understand the concepts of rate of change and slope. The sequence with an embodied exploration of proportion using the Mathematics Imagery Trainer. Building on this experience, two other learning systems were developed These generate graphs when learners walk in proportions. Through the second task learners are expected to get a sense of rate of change, by blending the walking experience with the graphs. In the third task, learners generate movements corresponding to given graphs. This sequence of embodied experiences is designed to help learners integrate and qualitative understandings of rate of change with the formal notion of slope, through the process of conceptual blending.