Abstract:
In this article we evaluate the contribution of the problem-solving approach, semiotic representations and the use of applets designed in GeoGebra when first-semester science and engineering students study the mathematical concept and application of the parabola. At the end of the classroom intervention, a significant improvement was noted in the students' performance, especially in their cognitive thinking activities; that is, in the use of algebraic language, in the appropriation of geometric concepts, and in the problem-solving performance.