Diagram Effective or Diagram Dependent

Catherine Pearn, Max Stephens, Robyn Pierce

Research output: Contribution to conferencePresentation

Abstract

This paper will focus on two students who depended on diagrammatic representations in both a Fraction Screening Test and in a subsequent Structured Interview. One student attempted to use diagrams, with limited success, to identify the correct relationships, and consequently struggled to generalise her strategies as she responded to the questions presented in the interview. The other student used diagrams more effectively, and was able to move from a reliance on diagrams to using a partially multiplicative solution strategy. When supported by strong number knowledge, diagrams are an effective means for helping to solve reverse fraction tasks but may hinder students attempts to generalise their thinking. 
Original languageEnglish
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2018
EventProceedings of the 41st Annual Conference of the Mathematics Education Research Group of Australasia - Auckland
Duration: 1 Jan 2018 → …

Conference

ConferenceProceedings of the 41st Annual Conference of the Mathematics Education Research Group of Australasia
Period1/01/18 → …

Keywords

  • Algebra
  • Fractions
  • Instructional Effectiveness
  • Mathematics Instruction
  • Mathematics Tests
  • Multiplication
  • Primary school students
  • Problem Solving
  • Screening Tests
  • Secondary School Students
  • Thinking Skills
  • Visual Aids

Disciplines

  • Mathematics

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