DOI QR코드

DOI QR Code

An analysis of fractional division instruction emphasizing algebraic thinking

대수적 사고를 강조한 분수 나눗셈 수업의 분석

  • Received : 2021.08.05
  • Accepted : 2021.08.23
  • Published : 2021.11.30

Abstract

This study investigated instructional methods for fractional division emphasizing algebraic thinking with sixth graders. Specifically, instructional elements for fractional division emphasizing algebraic thinking were derived from literature reviews, and the fractional division instruction was reorganized on the basis of key elements. The instructional elements were as follows: (a) exploring the relationship between a dividend and a divisor; (b) generalizing and representing solution methods; and (c) justifying solution methods. The instruction was analyzed in terms of how the key elements were implemented in the classroom. This paper focused on the fractional division instruction with problem contexts to calculate the quantity of a dividend corresponding to the divisor 1. The students in the study could explore the relationship between the two quantities that make the divisor 1 with different problem contexts: partitive division, determination of a unit rate, and inverse of multiplication. They also could generalize, represent, and justify the solution methods of dividing the dividend by the numerator of the divisor and multiplying it by the denominator. However, some students who did not explore the relationship between the two quantities and used only the algorithm of fraction division had difficulties in generalizing, representing, and justifying the solution methods. This study would provide detailed and substantive understandings in implementing the fractional division instruction emphasizing algebraic thinking and help promote the follow-up studies related to the instruction of fractional operations emphasizing algebraic thinking.

본 연구는 초등학교 6학년 학생들을 대상으로 대수적 사고를 강조하여 분수 나눗셈을 지도하는 방안을 분석한 것이다. 문헌 연구에서 도출한 교수·학습 요소를 중심으로 분수 나눗셈 수업을 재구성하고, 실제 수업에서 주요 교수·학습요소가 어떻게 구현되는지 그 양상을 분석하였다. 특히 본 논문에서는 나누는 수 1에 대응하는 나누어지는 수의 양을 구하는 문제 맥락을 중심으로 분석하였다. 이를 토대로 초등학교 분수 나눗셈 수업에서 대수적 사고를 강조하여 지도하는 방안에 관한 구체적인 시사점을 도출하였다.

Keywords

References

  1. Blanton, M., Levi, L., Crites, T., & Dougherty, B. J. (2011). Developing essential understanding of algebraic thinking for teaching mathematics in grades 3-5. Reston, VA: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.
  2. Brizuela, B. M., Blanton, M., Sawrey, K., Newman-Owens, A., & Gardiner, A. M. (2015). Children's use of variables and variable notation to represent their algebraic ideas. Mathematical Thinking and Learning, 17(1), 34-63. https://doi.org/10.1080/10986065.2015.981939
  3. Carraher, D. W., & Schliemann, A. D. (2007). Early algebra and algebraic reasoning. In F. K. Lester (Ed.), Second handbook of research on mathematics teaching and learning (pp. 669-705). Reston, VA: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.
  4. Carpenter, T. P., Fennema, E., Franke, M. L., Levi, L., & Empson, S. B. (1999). Children's mathematics: Cognitively guided instruction. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann. 김수환, 박영희, 백선수, 이경화, 한대희 공역(2006). 어떻게 수학을 배우지? 서울: 경문사.
  5. Chang, H. W., Lim, M. I., Yu, M. K., Park, H. M., Kim, J. S., & Lee, H. Y. (2017). A comparative analysis of ratio and rate in elementary mathematics textbooks. Journal of Elementary Mathematics Education in Korea, 21(1), 135-160.
  6. Empson, S. B., Levi, L., & Carpenter, T. P. (2011). The algebraic nature of fractions: Developing relational thinking in elementary school. In J. Cai, & E. Knuth (Eds.), Early algebraization: A global dialogue from multiple perspectives (pp. 277-301). New York: Springer.
  7. Hackenberg, A. J., & Lee, M. Y. (2015). Relationships between students' fractional knowledge and equation writing. Journal for Research in Mathematics Education, 46(2), 196-243. https://doi.org/10.5951/jresematheduc.46.2.0196
  8. Kang, H. K. (2009). An alternative program for the teaching of multiplication concept based on times idea. School Mathematics, 11(1), 17-37.
  9. Kaput, J. J. (2008). What is algebra? What is algebraic reasoning? In J. J. Kaput, D. W. Carraher, & M. Blanton (Eds.), Algebra in the early grades (pp. 5-17). New York: Lawrence Erlbaum.
  10. Kieran, C., Pang, J., Schifter, D., & Ng, S. F. (2016). Early algebra: Research into its nature, its learning, its teaching. New York: Springer.
  11. Kieran, C. (2018). Seeking, using, and expressing structure in numbers and numerical operation: a fundamental path to developing early algebraic thinking. In C. Kieran (Ed.), Teaching and learning algebraic thinking with 5- to 12-year-olds (pp. 79-105). Switzerland: Springer.
  12. Kim, J. H. (2020). Analysis of the Transition Process of Fraction Division Teaching Method. Journal of Educational Research in Mathematics, 30(1), 67-88. https://doi.org/10.29275/jerm.2020.02.30.1.67
  13. Kim, S. H., Shin, J. H., & Lee, S. J. (2019). Algebraic representations of middle school students with different fraction knowledge. Journal of Educational Research in Mathematics, 29(4), 625-654. https://doi.org/10.29275/jerm.2019.11.29.4.625
  14. Lamon, S. J. (2012). Teaching fractions and ratios for understanding: Essential content knowledge and instructional strategies for teachers (3rd ed). New York: Routledge.
  15. Lee, M. Y., & Hackenberg, A. J. (2014). Relationships between fractional knowledge and algebraic reasoning: The case of Willa. International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education, 12(4), 975-1000. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10763-013-9442-8
  16. Lee, M. Y. (2019). A case study examining links between fractional knowledge and linear equation writing of seventh-grade students and whether to introduce linear equations in an earlier grade. International Electronic J ournal of Mathematics Education, 14(1), 109-122.
  17. Lee, J. Y. (2015). Development of fraction division learning trajectory based on quantitative reasoning with unit of elementary school students. Korea National University thesis of doctor.
  18. Ma, L. (1999). Knowing and teaching elementary mathematics: Teachers' understanding of fundamental mathematics in China and the United States. New York: Routledge.
  19. National Mathematics Advisory Panel (2008). Foundations for success: The final report of the national mathematics advisory panel. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Education.
  20. Pang, J. S., & Cho, S. M. (2019a). An analysis of solution methods by fifth grade students about 'reverse fraction problems'. The Mathematics Education, 58(1), 1-20.
  21. Pang, J. S., & Cho, S. M. (2019b). An analysis of solution methods by sixth grade students about reverse fraction problems. Journal of Educational Research in Mathematics, 29(1), 71-91. https://doi.org/10.29275/jerm.2019.2.29.1.71
  22. Pang, J. S., Cho, S. M, & Kim, J. W. (2017). An analysis of variable in the elementary mathematics textbooks and workbooks. The Mathematics Education, 56(1), 81-100. https://doi.org/10.7468/mathedu.2017.56.1.81
  23. Pang, J. S., Cho, S. M., & Kwon, M. S. (2020). An analysis of fifth and sixth graders' algebraic thinking about reverse fraction problems. Journal of Educational Research in Mathematics, Special Issue, 213-227.
  24. Pang, J. S., & Kim, J. W. (2018). Characteristics of Korean students' early algebraic thinking: A generalized arithmetic perspective. In C. Kieran (Ed.), Teaching and learning algebraic thinking with 5- to 12-year-olds (pp. 141-165). Switzerland: Springer.
  25. Pang, J. S., & Lee, J. Y. (2009). An analysis of the multiplication and division of fractions in elemetary mathematics instructional materials. School Mathematics, 11(4), 723-743.
  26. Park, K. S., Song, S. H., & Yim, J. H. (2004). A study on understanding of the elementary teachers in pre-service with respect to fractional division. School Mathematics, 6(3), 235-249.
  27. Pearn, C., & Stephens, M. (2018). Generalizing fractional structures: A critical precursor to algebraic thinking. In C. Kieran (Ed.), Teaching and learning algebraic thinking with 5- to 12-year-olds (pp. 237-260). Switzerland: Springer.
  28. Russell, S. J., Schifter, D., & Bastable, V. (2011). Developing algebraic thinking in the context of arithmetic. In J. Cai & E. Knuth (Eds.), Early algebraization (pp. 43-69). New York: Springer.
  29. Schwartz, J. L. (1988). Intensive quantity and referent transforming arithmetic operations. In J. Hiebert & M. Behr (Eds.), Number concepts and operations in the middle grades (Vol. 2, pp. 41-52). Reston, VA: Erlbaum.
  30. Shin, J. S. (2013). A proposal to the construction of textbook contents of fraction division connected to problem context. The Mathematics Education, 52(2), 217-230. https://doi.org/10.7468/mathedu.2013.52.2.217
  31. Siebert, I. (2002). Connecting informal thinking and algorithms: The case of division of fraction. In B. Litwiller, & G. Bright (Eds.), Making sense of fractions, ratios, and proportions (pp. 247-256). Reston, VA: NCTM.
  32. Siegler, R., Duncan, G., Davis-Kean, P., Duckworth, K., Claessens, A., Engel, M. et al. (2012). Early predictors of high school mathematics achievement. Psychological Science, 23(10), 691-697. https://doi.org/10.1177/0956797612440101
  33. Sinicrope, R., Mick, H. W., & Kolb, J. R. (2002). Interpretations of fraction division. In B. Litwiller, & G. Bright (Eds.), Making sense of fractions, ratios, and proportions (pp. 153-161). Reston, VA: NCTM.
  34. Yim, J. H. (2007). Division of fractions in the contexts of the inverse of a cartesian product. School Mathematics, 9(1), 13-28.
  35. Yim, J. H., Kim, S. M., & Park, K. S. (2005). Different approaches of introducing the division algorithm of fractions: comparison of mathematics textbooks of North Korea, South Korea, China, and Japan. School Mathematics, 7(2), 103-121.
  36. Wu, H. H. (2001). How to prepare students for algebra. American Educator, 25, 1-7.