Now question arises what is the need of understanding an existing formula of Pythagorean theorem and why to work on it if the law is quite simple to remember? The reason is quite simple to get a deeper understanding of the formula and its usage in everyday life. It is used almost in every aspect of life, like building materials, planes flight routines, astronauts and in every subject or discipline. Math can only be integrated with science due to its rigid nature and subjective results. Everything in math is based on calculation with defined standards of workings. So, the approach is to get inquiry about the Pythagorean theorem, its relevance and the effectiveness in the current model of education.
Inquiry is a continuous process of putting up questions to attain a certain satisfaction factor from the existing methods of doing things. It has become a central part of results and outcomes for predicting a favorable response to the available resources (Friesen and Scott,2013). As the inquiry process goes on, it starts travelling certain queries to reach a specific and defined area for the effective working of the model. Here comes the need of essential questions to foster the process of inquiry. These questions aimed at providing transparency and opportunities to travel on the process of Inquiry. Some of the questions can be as follows;
- What is the need of studying Pythagorean theorem in a different way if the formula is easy to remember?
- How relevant it is in the daily routine lifestyle to study about it?
- How this formula developed in someone’s mind that is too accurate practically?
- Is there any other scope of using this formula rather than finding out measurements?
- Is it worth to spend a lot of time in understanding this concept of mathematics?
- What things are required for understanding this formula and how these are must in understanding?
- In what ways new learning is different from the past teaching?
- What else can be learnt from this formula apart from theoretical knowledge?
- What is the need of learning Pythagorean theorem and how it is so accurate?
- Are there any historical evidences of this theorem that can be related to current scenario?
- Why it is workable on right-angle triangle situations only?
- Is there any further modification of this theorem possible or not?
- What are the chances of its failure?
- Does it impart any kind of symbolic message to the spiritual growth of an individual or is it just a play of integers only?
- Is there any alternate to find solution without using this formula?
- Can it be used in any other discipline of education, if so then how will it work?
These questions aim to encourage intellectual learning and foster critical thinking in the young minds. Another benefit is the focused approach of inquiry pedagogy to root out any kind of upcoming deviations in the working. These also help in interdisciplinary approach of involving other subjects for better understanding of the subject area (Wiggins ad McTighe,2013). BC curriculum of grade 8 have been examined to get insight deep understanding of the pedagogy process.
First people’s principle also focuses on mathematical understanding through teaching different indigenous system and linking a wide ranging of different routine contexts to the learnt concepts. This can be done by acquiring experiences from the elders of the community in ways of story telling or community gatherings. Then concepts are being taught with integrating life experiences with the knowledge and developing an inter-mediator method of learning. Also, cultural teachings can be considered for fostering knowledge as math is not a new concept in this universe (we can witness huge pyramids that are too accurate in shape and size that doubts the existence of these formulas in those times).
| Big Idea
First Peoples’ knowledge and use of Mathematics/ Practical Applications • in what ways first people principle assist in learning of Pythagorean theorem or any other mathematical concept? |
Curricular Competencies
Introspect the values embedded in cultural and traditional approach Implement that learning to foster the inquiry process |
| Content
Relation of historical knowledge with the new ways of teaching mathematics. |
|
| Big Idea
Interdisciplinary Any other application of Pythagorean theorem? • How does it benefit other sectors of education |
Curricular Competencies
How it symbolizes any physical world object? |
| Content
Interdisciplinary approach to understand one subject’s teaching into another field. Activity: demonstrating linking through scientific concept of physics. Some field activities like paper folding to evaluate the existence of Pythagorean law.
Other kind of ways can be used like puzzles and games to ensure the learning concepts. |
|
| Big Idea
To figure out the accuracy of Pythagorean theorem. |
Curricular Competencies
Deeply watch out the validity of the law through careful observation in the routine activities. |
| Content
Computer software such as MATLAB can be used to deeply understand figures and shapes according to this concept of mathematics. Activity: A computer lab workshop |
|
| Big Idea
· How relevant is it in current scenario?
|
Curricular Competencies
Observe outer world scope of Pythagorean apart from mathematics. |
| Content
Figuring out math concepts in ongoing rapid developments. |
|
| Big Idea
· How can this new method distinct from old ways of teaching?
|
Curricular Competencies
New techniques to develop creativity and understanding and organising field trip plans for better understanding. |
| Content
Puzzle and games, ladder concept and shadows law for getting insight of the core concept. |
|
| Big Idea
Does it have any spiritual significance?
|
Curricular Competencies
Study of indigenous education and first people’s learning concept. |
| Content
Activity: Elders guidance in play activities to ensure intellectual learning |
|
This not helps in understanding key concepts behind mathematical reasoning but also imparts light to observe other educational frameworks through a different approach and technique.