[KSCI] Korea Science Citation Index Service

http://dx.doi.org/10.7468/jksmed.2012.16.4.217

An Analysis of Fraction Operation Sense to Enhance Early Algebraic Thinking

Lee, Jiyoung (Paldal Elementary School)
Pang, Jeongsuk (Department of Elementary Education, Korea National University of Education)

Publication Information

Research in Mathematical Education / v.16, no.4, 2012 , pp. 217-232 More about this Journal

Abstract

While many studies on early algebra have been conducted, there have been only a few studies on the operation sense as the fundamental element of algebraic thinking, especially the fraction operation sense. This study explored the dimensions of fraction operation sense and then investigated students' fraction operation sense. A total of 183 of sixth graders were surveyed and 5 students who showed high operation sense were clinically interviewed in order to analyze their algebraic thinking in detail. The results showed that students had a tendency to use direct calculation or employ inappropriate operation sense rather than to use the structure of operation or the relation between operations on the basis of algebraic thinking. This study implies that explicit instruction on early algebra is necessary from the elementary school years.

Keywords

early algebra; algebraic thinking; fraction operation sense; dimensions of fraction operation sense; structure and relationship of fraction operations;

Citations & Related Records

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