Abstract:

This paper presents an innovative educational approach aimed at enhancing high school students' understanding of special angles, standard position angles, and angle measures through the construction and utilization of a unit circle model. Special angles, such as 30°, 45°, and 60°, play a fundamental role in trigonometry, yet students often struggle to grasp their significance and application. By integrating hands-on activities involving the creation of a unit circle model, students are provided with a tangible representation of angle measures and their relationships within the unit circle.

The unit circle model serves as a visual aid to illustrate the concept of radians, trigonometric ratios, and the coordinates of points on the unit circle corresponding to specific angles. Through guided exploration and interactive learning experiences, students actively engage with the material, facilitating deeper conceptual understanding and retention. Furthermore, the unit circle model allows for the exploration of standard position angles, aiding students in visualizing angle measures beyond the basic set of special angles.

Preliminary findings from pilot implementations of this educational innovation demonstrate promising results in improving students' comprehension and retention of trigonometric concepts. Qualitative feedback from students indicates increased confidence in working with special angles and a greater appreciation for the geometric foundations of trigonometry. Additionally, educators report enhanced student engagement and participation during classroom activities centered around the unit circle model.

The construction and utilization of a unit circle model offer a novel approach to enhance students' understanding of special angles, standard position angles, and angle measures in trigonometry education. By leveraging visual and hands-on learning strategies, educators can empower students to develop a deeper conceptual grasp of fundamental trigonometric principles, thereby promoting more effective learning outcomes in the field of mathematics education.

Keywords:

Trigonometry, Educational Innovation, Unit Circle Modeling, Higher Education.