• Research in Mathematical Education
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.217-232
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• 2012

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.

• School Mathematics
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.71-91
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• 2009

The purpose of this study was to analyze operation sense in detail with regard to division of fraction. For this purpose, two sixth grade students who were good at calculation were clinically interviewed three times. The analysis was focused on (a) how the students would understand the multiple meanings and models of division of fraction, (b) how they would recognize the meaning of algorithm related to division of fraction, and (c) how they would employ the meanings and properties of operation in order to translate them into different modes of representation as well as to develop their own strategies. This paper includes several episodes which reveal students' qualitative difference in terms of various dimensions of operation sense. The need to develop operation sense is suggested specifically for upper grades of elementary school.