Skip to main navigation menu Skip to main content Skip to site footer

Articles

Vol. 4 No. 1 (2026): Edutechnium Journal of Educational Technology

Visualizing Variability: The Impact of Dynamic Geometry on the Development of Algebraic Thinking and the Learning of Linear Functions

DOI
https://doi.org/10.71365/edujet.v4i1.118
Submitted
June 11, 2026
Published
2026-06-11

Abstract

Proficiency in interpreting mathematical functions is fundamental to academic success in the 21st century; however, many students face significant obstacles in translating abstract concepts into real graphical representations. This research addresses the need for innovative methodologies when implementing the use of GeoGebra software as a mediating tool to enhance comprehension skills related to linear functions. The study employed a Research and Development approach based on a qualitative case study model, involving stages of diagnosis, technological intervention, and pedagogical evaluation. Participants included high school students who interacted with the software and provided data through questionnaires, participant observation, and analysis of practical activities. The results indicated that the use of GeoGebra is highly dynamic, with student acceptance levels exceeding 90%. Furthermore, the visual perception of the growth and decay properties of functions showed a notable qualitative improvement after digital manipulation. In conclusion, GeoGebra effectively enhances the understanding of functions and offers a dynamic alternative to traditional mathematical instruction. The impact of this research lies in providing educators with an interactive resource capable of stimulating geometric intuition and optimizing learning outcomes in mathematics.

References

  1. Brazil. Ministry of Education. (2018). National Common Curricular Base. Secretariat of Basic Education. http://basenacionalcomum.mec.gov.br/images/BNCC_EI_EF_110518_versaofinal_site.pdf
  2. Cappelin, A. (2025). Conceptualization of the affine function mobilized by undergraduate mathematics students: An analysis based on the resolution of situations articulated with Cartesian graphs [Doctoral thesis, State University of Western Paraná]. UNIOESTE Institutional Repository.
  3. Chavante, E., & Prestes, D. (2020). Quadrant: Mathematics and its technologies - functions (1st ed.). SM Editions.
  4. Da Fonseca, R. C. (2010). Teaching Practice from the Perspective of Interactivity in Virtual Learning Environments. Brazilian Journal of Open and Distance Learning, 9. https://doi.org/10.17143/rbaad.v9i0.222
  5. Dornelas, J. J. B. (2007). Analysis of a didactic sequence for learning the concept of affine function [Master's thesis, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco]. UFRPE Institutional Repository.
  6. Flick, U. (2008). Introduction to qualitative research (3rd ed.). Artmed.
  7. Galliano, A. G. (1986). The scientific method: Theory and practice. Harbra.
  8. Gil, A. C. (2002). How to prepare research projects (4th ed.). Atlas.
  9. Guimarães, J., Rocha, A. A. N., & Costa, F. M. S. (2024). Trigonometric functions in GeoGebra: Methodological discussions [Master's thesis, State University of Maranhão]. UEMA Institutional Repository. https://repositorio.uema.br/jspui/handle/123456789/4709
  10. Günther, H. (2006). Qualitative research versus quantitative research: Is this the question? Psychology: Theory and Research, 22(2), 201-210.
  11. Heringer, G. M. M. (2020). Mathematics teaching laboratory: From project to first activities [Professional master's thesis, Federal University of Tocantins]. UFT Institutional Repository.
  12. Iezzi, G., & Murakami, C. (2013). Fundamentals of elementary mathematics 1: Sets and functions (9th ed.). Updated.
  13. Krug, C. B. S., & Nogueira, C. M. I. (2022). Basic ideas of function and affine function: Analyzing the high school textbook. Revista de Ensino de Ciências e Matemática, 13(1), 1–18. https://revistapos.cruzeirodosul.edu.br/rencima/article/view/3117
  14. Lima, E. M. (2025). A pedagogical proposal with mathematical modeling for teaching functions in high school [Master's dissertation, State University of Maranhão]. UEMA Institutional Repository.
  15. Mesquita, J. de M., Mesquita, L. S. F., & Barroso, M. C. da S. (2021). Educational software applied in Chemistry Teaching: Teaching resources that enhance the learning process. Research, Society and Development, 10(11), e458101115278. https://doi.org/10.33448/rsd-v10i11.15278
  16. Moura, M. O. (2019). Cryptography motivating the study of functions in the 9th year of elementary school [Professional Master's Dissertation, Federal University of Tocantins]. UFT Institutional Repository.
  17. Oliveira, E. R., & Cunha, D. S. (2021). The use of technology in mathematics teaching: Contributions of GeoGebra software in teaching first-degree functions. Revista Educação Pública, 21(36). https://repositorio.ifpb.edu.br/handle/177683/1316
  18. Prodanov, C. C., & Freitas, E. C. (2013). Methodology of scientific work: Methods and techniques of research and academic work (2nd ed.). Feevale Publisher.
  19. Santiago, P. V. da S., Alves, F. R. V., & Santos, M. J. C. dos. (2025). Formative practice of symmetry for elementary school mathematics teachers. Revista Interdisciplinar em Ensino de Ciências e Matemática, 5, e25007. https://doi.org/10.70860/RIEcim.2764-2534.2025.v5.19991
  20. Santos, D. M. A. de A. P. dos. (2024). NATIONAL TEXTBOOK PROGRAM (PNLD): NOTES ON THE SIGNIFICANTS OF LITERACY TEACHERS. Revista Conhecimento Online, 1. https://doi.org/10.25112/rco.v1.3559
  21. Santos, E. P. (2002). Affine function y = ax + b: The articulation between the graphical and algebraic representation with the aid of educational software [Master's thesis, Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo]. PUC-SP Institutional Repository.
  22. Silva, T. R. C. (2023). Considerations on the teaching of functions in elementary education and mathematical language [Professional master's thesis, State University of Rio de Janeiro]. UERJ Institutional Repository.
  23. Souza, A. C. L. (2020). A study on the articulations between the history of mathematics and the teaching of trigonometry: Analysis of theses and dissertations [Master's dissertation, Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo]. PUC-SP Institutional Repository.