The design and analysis of a mathematics trail for students in forms 1-3

Abstract

Mathematics trails are outdoor learning experiences, in which pupils are taken out on an outing where they have to solve particular tasks related to mathematics. In this study, mathematics trail packs were designed for pupils in Forms 1 - 3 following an extended (Paper IIA) syllabus. There were two mathematics trail packs for each form: one designed in selected locations in Mdina and the other one designed inside and around a local school. These mathematics trail packs were designed and developed using the van Hiele Model for the Development of Geometric Thought and Del Grande's spatial abilities as the theoretical frameworks. After designing these mathematics trail packs, the Mdina mathematics trail was piloted with pupils in Forms 1, 2 and 3. Several conclusions were obtained from this research project. It was found that mathematics trails help pupils apply the mathematics they learned in the classroom to aspects of the environment in which they live. Pupils also learned to observe the structure of buildings. Moreover, these mathematics trails integrated other subjects across the curriculum with mathematics. In these outings, pupils also developed cooperative team-working skills. These trails helped pupils to become more acquainted with the subject and they revised mathematics topics they had done in class.