The Origins of Mathematical Knowledge in Childhood

The Origins of Mathematical Knowledge in Childhood PDF Author: Catherine Sophian
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1351541757
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 212

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Book Description
This book examines the origins and development of children's mathematical knowledge. It contrasts the widely held view that counting is the starting point for mathematical development with an alternative comparison-of-quantities position. According to the comparison-of-quantities position, the concept of number builds upon more basic concepts of equality, inequality, and less-than and greater-than relations, which derive from comparisons between unenumerated quantities such as lengths. The concept of number combines these basic comparative concepts with the concept of a unit of measure, which allows one quantity to be described as a multiple of another. Sophian examines these alternative accounts of children's developing mathematical knowledge in the light of research: on children's counting; on their reasoning about continuous quantities such as length and area; on the development of the concept of unit; on additive and multiplicative reasoning; and on knowledge about fractions. In the closing chapters, Sophian draws out the developmental and the educational implications of the research and theory presented. Developmentally, the comparison-of-quantities position undermines the idea that numerical knowledge develops through domain-specific learning mechanisms in that it links numerical development both to physical knowledge about objects, which is the starting point for the concept of unit, and to the acquisition of linguistic number terms. Instructionally, the comparison-of-quantities perspective diverges from the counting-first perspective in that it underscores the continuity between whole-number arithmetic and fraction learning that stems from the importance of the concept of unit for both. Building on this idea, Sophian advances three instructional recommendations: First, instruction about numbers should always be grounded in thinking about quantities and how numbers represent the relations between them; second, instruction in the early years should always be guided by a long-term perspective in which current objectives are shaped by an understanding of their role in the overall course of mathematics learning; and third, instruction should be directly toward promoting the acquisition of the most general mathematical knowledge possible. The Origins of Mathematical Knowledge in Childhood is intended for researchers, professionals, and graduate students in developmental psychology, educational psychology, and mathematics education, and as a supplementary text for advanced undergraduate courses in cognitive development, educational psychology, and mathematics education.

The Origins of Mathematical Knowledge in Childhood

The Origins of Mathematical Knowledge in Childhood PDF Author: Catherine Sophian
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1351541757
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 212

Get Book

Book Description
This book examines the origins and development of children's mathematical knowledge. It contrasts the widely held view that counting is the starting point for mathematical development with an alternative comparison-of-quantities position. According to the comparison-of-quantities position, the concept of number builds upon more basic concepts of equality, inequality, and less-than and greater-than relations, which derive from comparisons between unenumerated quantities such as lengths. The concept of number combines these basic comparative concepts with the concept of a unit of measure, which allows one quantity to be described as a multiple of another. Sophian examines these alternative accounts of children's developing mathematical knowledge in the light of research: on children's counting; on their reasoning about continuous quantities such as length and area; on the development of the concept of unit; on additive and multiplicative reasoning; and on knowledge about fractions. In the closing chapters, Sophian draws out the developmental and the educational implications of the research and theory presented. Developmentally, the comparison-of-quantities position undermines the idea that numerical knowledge develops through domain-specific learning mechanisms in that it links numerical development both to physical knowledge about objects, which is the starting point for the concept of unit, and to the acquisition of linguistic number terms. Instructionally, the comparison-of-quantities perspective diverges from the counting-first perspective in that it underscores the continuity between whole-number arithmetic and fraction learning that stems from the importance of the concept of unit for both. Building on this idea, Sophian advances three instructional recommendations: First, instruction about numbers should always be grounded in thinking about quantities and how numbers represent the relations between them; second, instruction in the early years should always be guided by a long-term perspective in which current objectives are shaped by an understanding of their role in the overall course of mathematics learning; and third, instruction should be directly toward promoting the acquisition of the most general mathematical knowledge possible. The Origins of Mathematical Knowledge in Childhood is intended for researchers, professionals, and graduate students in developmental psychology, educational psychology, and mathematics education, and as a supplementary text for advanced undergraduate courses in cognitive development, educational psychology, and mathematics education.

The Origins of Mathematical Knowledge in Childhood

The Origins of Mathematical Knowledge in Childhood PDF Author: Catherine Sophian
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1351541749
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 219

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Book Description
This book examines the origins and development of children's mathematical knowledge. It contrasts the widely held view that counting is the starting point for mathematical development with an alternative comparison-of-quantities position. According to the comparison-of-quantities position, the concept of number builds upon more basic concepts of equality, inequality, and less-than and greater-than relations, which derive from comparisons between unenumerated quantities such as lengths. The concept of number combines these basic comparative concepts with the concept of a unit of measure, which allows one quantity to be described as a multiple of another. Sophian examines these alternative accounts of children's developing mathematical knowledge in the light of research: on children's counting; on their reasoning about continuous quantities such as length and area; on the development of the concept of unit; on additive and multiplicative reasoning; and on knowledge about fractions. In the closing chapters, Sophian draws out the developmental and the educational implications of the research and theory presented. Developmentally, the comparison-of-quantities position undermines the idea that numerical knowledge develops through domain-specific learning mechanisms in that it links numerical development both to physical knowledge about objects, which is the starting point for the concept of unit, and to the acquisition of linguistic number terms. Instructionally, the comparison-of-quantities perspective diverges from the counting-first perspective in that it underscores the continuity between whole-number arithmetic and fraction learning that stems from the importance of the concept of unit for both. Building on this idea, Sophian advances three instructional recommendations: First, instruction about numbers should always be grounded in thinking about quantities and how numbers represent the relations between them; second, instruction in the early years should always be guided by a long-term perspective in which current objectives are shaped by an understanding of their role in the overall course of mathematics learning; and third, instruction should be directly toward promoting the acquisition of the most general mathematical knowledge possible. The Origins of Mathematical Knowledge in Childhood is intended for researchers, professionals, and graduate students in developmental psychology, educational psychology, and mathematics education, and as a supplementary text for advanced undergraduate courses in cognitive development, educational psychology, and mathematics education.

Helping Children Learn Mathematics

Helping Children Learn Mathematics PDF Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309131987
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 52

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Book Description
Results from national and international assessments indicate that school children in the United States are not learning mathematics well enough. Many students cannot correctly apply computational algorithms to solve problems. Their understanding and use of decimals and fractions are especially weak. Indeed, helping all children succeed in mathematics is an imperative national goal. However, for our youth to succeed, we need to change how we’re teaching this discipline. Helping Children Learn Mathematics provides comprehensive and reliable information that will guide efforts to improve school mathematics from pre--kindergarten through eighth grade. The authors explain the five strands of mathematical proficiency and discuss the major changes that need to be made in mathematics instruction, instructional materials, assessments, teacher education, and the broader educational system and answers some of the frequently asked questions when it comes to mathematics instruction. The book concludes by providing recommended actions for parents and caregivers, teachers, administrators, and policy makers, stressing the importance that everyone work together to ensure a mathematically literate society.

Mathematics Learning in Early Childhood

Mathematics Learning in Early Childhood PDF Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309147433
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 399

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Book Description
Early childhood mathematics is vitally important for young children's present and future educational success. Research demonstrates that virtually all young children have the capability to learn and become competent in mathematics. Furthermore, young children enjoy their early informal experiences with mathematics. Unfortunately, many children's potential in mathematics is not fully realized, especially those children who are economically disadvantaged. This is due, in part, to a lack of opportunities to learn mathematics in early childhood settings or through everyday experiences in the home and in their communities. Improvements in early childhood mathematics education can provide young children with the foundation for school success. Relying on a comprehensive review of the research, Mathematics Learning in Early Childhood lays out the critical areas that should be the focus of young children's early mathematics education, explores the extent to which they are currently being incorporated in early childhood settings, and identifies the changes needed to improve the quality of mathematics experiences for young children. This book serves as a call to action to improve the state of early childhood mathematics. It will be especially useful for policy makers and practitioners-those who work directly with children and their families in shaping the policies that affect the education of young children.

Why is Math So Hard for Some Children?

Why is Math So Hard for Some Children? PDF Author: Daniel B. Berch
Publisher: Brookes Publishing Company
ISBN:
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 496

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Book Description
This landmark resource gives educational decision-makers and researchers theoretical and practical insight into mathematical learning difficulties and disabilities, combining diverse perspectives from fields such as special education, developmental

Contemporary Perspectives on Mathematics in Early Childhood Education

Contemporary Perspectives on Mathematics in Early Childhood Education PDF Author: Olivia Saracho
Publisher: IAP
ISBN: 1607526379
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 349

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Book Description
This volume provides a comprehensive critical analysis of the research in mathematics education for young children. The researchers who conducted the critical analysis focused on the relationship between (1) mathematics learning in the early years and domain specific approaches to cognitive development, (2) the children’s social learning and their developing understanding of math, and (3) the children’s learning in a natural context and their understanding of mathematics concepts. The work of these scholars can help guide those researchers who are interested in pursuing studies in early childhood mathematics in a specific area of study. This volume will facilitate the research conducted by both novice and expert researchers. The volume has accomplished its major goals, which consists of critically analyzing important research in a specific area that would be most useful in advancing the field and provide recommendations for both researchers and educators.

Psychological Perspectives on Early Childhood Education

Psychological Perspectives on Early Childhood Education PDF Author: Susan L. Golbeck
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1135669643
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 345

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Book Description
Brings together the work of leading researchers in the field of child development and early education to examine current problems from the perspective of psychological theory and research.

The Nature of Mathematical Knowledge

The Nature of Mathematical Knowledge PDF Author: Philip Kitcher
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
ISBN: 0195035410
Category : Electronic books
Languages : en
Pages : 300

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Book Description
This book argues against the view that mathematical knowledge is a priori, contending that mathematics is an empirical science and develops historically, just as natural sciences do. Kitcher presents a complete, systematic, and richly detailed account of the nature of mathematical knowledge and its historical development, focusing on such neglected issues as how and why mathematical language changes, why certain questions assume overriding importance, and how standards of proof are modified.

Contemporary Research and Perspectives on Early Childhood Mathematics Education

Contemporary Research and Perspectives on Early Childhood Mathematics Education PDF Author: Iliada Elia
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 3319734326
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 326

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Book Description
This book brings together a collection of research-based papers on current issues in early childhood mathematics education that were presented in the Topic Study Group 1 (TSG 1) at the 13th International Congress on Mathematical Education (ICME-13), held at the University of Hamburg in 2016. It will help readers understand a range of key issues that early childhood mathematics educators encounter today. Research on early childhood mathematics education has grown in recent years, due in part to the well-documented, positive relation between children’s early mathematical knowledge and their later mathematics learning, and to the considerable emphasis many countries are now placing on preschool education. The book addresses a number of central questions, including: What is mathematical structural development and how can we promote it in early childhood? How can multimodality and embodiment contribute to early mathematics learning and to acquiring a better understanding of young children’s mathematical development? How can children’s informal mathematics-related experiences affect instruction and children’s learning in different mathematics content areas? What is the role of tools, including technology and picture books, in supporting early mathematics learning? What are the challenges in early childhood mathematics education for teachers’ education and professional development?

Mathematics Teaching, Learning, and Liberation in the Lives of Black Children

Mathematics Teaching, Learning, and Liberation in the Lives of Black Children PDF Author: Danny Bernard Martin
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1135590966
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 375

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Book Description
With issues of equity at the forefront of mathematics education research and policy, this collection offers authoritative scholarship that sheds light on the ways that young black learners experience mathematics in schools and their communities.