Evolution of math programs in French high

schools

Yves Coudert Math Teacher – France

12th April 2013 Pan European EDU Conference

Ien

Sept 2009

Sept 2011 “Transitory program”

Sept 2012 < ------------ High School --------------->

Evolution of math programs : Main steps

Seconde

Première

Terminale

CPGE

1st year

2nd year

3rd year

Sept 2013

UNIVERSITY

One of the objective of the program is to train pupils to scientific reasoning.

Pupils should be able to use tools (calculators or computers) to solve problems.

Pupils should use these tools to visualize, simulate and calculate in order to develop investigation skills.

Pupils should also develop algorithmic and programming skills by using their graphic calculator or a computer.

When solving problems, the use of formal calculation should limit the work dedicated to “technical calculations” in order to be focus on reasoning.

Main changes

• Be able to test out and to propose a conjecture using a graphic calculator (or a computer)• Be able to use the statistics, table, recursion, spreadsheet, graph and program applications of a graphic calculator (or a computer) to solve different problems• Be able to understand and use formal calculation (calculator or computer software)

Calculating and programming skills with a graphic calculator can be evaluated

Main fields : - Functions : Calculation for different values with table, programming, drawing and graph solver, integration and derivation tools - Series : recursion, table, graph, program and spreadsheet - Statistics : mean, median, interquartile range calculation, programming graphs (Scat, Pie, MedBox, Bar, Hist) - Fluctuation of sampling frequency : random, sequence functions and programming - Equations: simultaneous, polynomial (simple or quadratic) and solver - Others : complex number, matrix calculation

Skills to be reached by pupils

Important facts : •All the pupils must have a graphic calculator to be used during the class for different activities and at home to solve problems. • Calculators are authorized for math final exams.• The graphic calculator is often chosen the first year of High School (« seconde » level).• Teachers usually recommend to choose one or two specific model(s) depending on their ability to use different calculators.• But, few teachers recommend to choose formal calculators.• Graph 35 + USB is very popular. • Most of the pupils keep their calculator until the end of high school.

Use of graphic calculators in High School

DI3 common graphic calculators at high school level

2 formal calculators : less common …

Programming Syracuse serieswith Graph35+ USB Interest : Conjecture

Function analysisDrawing a curve andthe tangent line in a value

Formal calculationUsing ClassPad managerin class to explain a resultand train pupil to formal screen

Examples of activities in class

Example of subjects for final exam (Terminale S June 2012 )

AlgorithmicPupils should be able to understand the different steps of the algorithm to calculate a serie and give the output of the program.

Calculation Pupils should use a calculator to find the smallest integer in order that from that rank the serie is higher that a given value.

Example of subjects for final exam (Terminale ES June 2011 )

Formal calculationPupils should be able to understand and explain the different commands and answers given by the calculator.

Example of subjects for final exam (Terminale ES June 2012 )

Screen of a calculatorPupil should explain how to modify the view window to visualize the maximum and read with the graphic when the function is positive. Finally, to solve an equation with his graphic calculator

The new math programs require to train more the pupils with calculator to solve problems and develop their skills in programming.

Formal calculators are not required for exams but pupils should be trained to formal calculation. Some high school buy formal calculators to train them.

In high school, teachers often ask to be trained by CASIO, mainly for programming with Graph 35 + USB or Fx-CG 20.

Teachers must test pupils calculation skills using calculator during all the studies and prepare them to the new targets of final exams.

CONCLUSION