The Role of Dynamic Mathematics Software in the Development of Contextual Learning Environment during Teaching of the Parabola Concept

This research aims to investigate the role of the GeoGebra software as a tool to creat a contextual learning for the concept of parabola. Action research method was used in the research. Participants of the research are pre-service elementary mathematics teachers at third-grade in the undergraduate program. Data were collected through student worksheets, observations, field notes and interviews. The data were analyzed with qualitative methods in accordance with the REACT, a contextual learning strategy. As a result, it was determined that the GeoGebra software contributed to the relationships created in the learning environment since it allowed the preservice teachers to find opportunities to reinforce their previous knowledge. The GeoGebra software, on the other hand, facilitated application processes of the preservice teachers’ by helping those modelling geometric locations, which were given through icons and multiple representations. It was also observed that feedbacks provided by the software enabled a kind of communication among group members as they communicated, exchanged ideas and cooperated with each other. The software helped transferring between mathematical subjects and concepts