Version 1
: Received: 27 February 2021 / Approved: 2 March 2021 / Online: 2 March 2021 (11:37:07 CET)
How to cite:
Araya, R. Enriching Elementary School Mathematical Learning with the Steepest Descent Algorithm. Preprints2021, 2021030080. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202103.0080.v1.
Araya, R. Enriching Elementary School Mathematical Learning with the Steepest Descent Algorithm. Preprints 2021, 2021030080. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202103.0080.v1.
Cite as:
Araya, R. Enriching Elementary School Mathematical Learning with the Steepest Descent Algorithm. Preprints2021, 2021030080. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202103.0080.v1.
Araya, R. Enriching Elementary School Mathematical Learning with the Steepest Descent Algorithm. Preprints 2021, 2021030080. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202103.0080.v1.
Abstract
The Steepest Descent (or Ascent) algorithm is one of the most widely used algorithms in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). However, this powerful mathematical tool is neither taught nor even mentioned in K12 education. We study whether it is feasible for elementary school students to learn this algorithm, while also aligning with the standard school curriculum. We also look at whether it can be used to create enriching activities connected to children’s real-life experiences, thus enhancing the integration of STEM and fostering Computational Thinking. To address these questions, we conducted an empirical study in two phases. In the first phase, we tested the feasibility with teachers. In a face-to-face professional development work-shop with 457 mathematics teachers actively participating using an online platform, we found that after a 10-minute introduction they could successfully apply the algorithm and use it in a couple of models. They were also able to complete two complex and novel tasks: selecting models and adjusting the parameters of a model that uses the steepest descent algorithm. In a second phase, we tested the feasibility with 90 fourth graders from 3 low Socioeconomic Status (SES) schools. Using the same introduction and posing the same questions, we found that they were able to understand the algorithm and successfully complete the tasks on the online platform. Additionally, we found that close to 75% of the students completed the two complex modeling tasks and performed similarly to the teachers.
Copyright:
This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.