An analysis of the influence of question design on learners' approaches to number pattern generalisation tasks:

Samson, Duncan; Schäfer, Marc

Title: An analysis of the influence of question design on learners' approaches to number pattern generalisation tasks:
Creator: Samson, Duncan
Creator: Schäfer, Marc
Date Issued: 2007
Date: 2007
Type: text
Type: article
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/141026
Identifier: vital:37938
Identifier: https://0-hdl.handle.net.wam.seals.ac.za/10520/EJC20890
Description: This paper reports on a study of the extent to which question design affects the solution strategies adopted by children when solving linear number pattern generalisation tasks presented in pictorial and numeric contexts. The research tool comprised a series of 22 pencil-and-paper exercises based on linear generalisation tasks set in both numeric and two-dimensional pictorial contexts. The responses to these linear generalisation questions were classified by means of stage descriptors as well as stage modifiers. The method or strategy adopted was analysed and classified into one of seven categories. In addition, a meta-analysis focused on the formula derived for the nth term in conjunction with its justification. The results of this study strongly support the notion that question design can play a critical role in influencing learners' choice of strategy and level of attainment when solving pattern generalisation tasks. An understanding of the importance of appropriate question design has direct pedagogical application within the context of the mathematics classroom.
Format: 9 pages
Format: pdf
Language: English
Relation: Pythagoras
Relation: Samson, D. and Schafer, M., 2007. An analysis of the influence of question design on learners' approaches to number pattern generalisation tasks. Pythagoras, 2007(66), pp.43-51.
Relation: Pythagoras volume 66 number 0 43 51 2007 2223-7895
Rights: Publisher
Rights: Use of this resource is governed by the terms and conditions of the Pythagoras Open Access Statement (https://pythagoras.org.za/index.php/pythagoras/pages/view/journal-information)

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