Pedagogical mediation of mathematics in virtual learning environments

Abstract

This article presents the strategy called Pedagogical Mediation of Mathematics in Virtual Learning Environments, which was implemented in the course Calculus I (ME003) at the Central Campus of the Universidad Técnica Nacional (UTN). The idea emerged around 2015 after several reflections on the low academic performance shown by some students in this course. In addition, the Director of Teaching, Mr. Jonathan Quirós Maroto, expressed his support for the development of the project.
To shape the strategy, consultations were held with several mathematics professors from the Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica, who had an innovative project that helped improve their students’ academic performance. Furthermore, support was provided by the Educational Technology Area of the Centro de Formación Pedagógica y Tecnología Educativa (CFPTE), both in the course structure and in the development of materials. It is worth noting that, during the systematization process of the project, those in charge were attending the training course Learning Experiences, offered by the Área de Formación Pedagógica of the CFPTE at UTN and taught by Professor Rocío Arias Soto. In this course, different motivating contents were developed, which helped consolidate the pedagogical strategy and achieve a shift in the teaching and learning process.