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ERIC Number: EJ955374
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2012-Jun
Pages: 9
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0959-4752
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
The Effectiveness of Using Incorrect Examples to Support Learning about Decimal Magnitude
Durkin, Kelley; Rittle-Johnson, Bethany
Learning and Instruction, v22 n3 p206-214 Jun 2012
Comparing common mathematical errors to correct examples may facilitate learning, even for students with limited prior domain knowledge. We examined whether studying incorrect and correct examples was more effective than studying two correct examples across prior knowledge levels. Fourth- and fifth-grade students (N = 74) learned about decimal magnitude in a brief tutoring session. Students were randomly assigned to two conditions: 1) comparing correct and incorrect examples ("incorrect" condition) or 2) comparing correct examples only ("correct" condition). The "incorrect" condition helped students learn correct procedures and key concepts more than the "correct" condition, including reducing misconceptions. Students' prior knowledge of decimals did not interact with condition. Students' explanations during the intervention revealed that those in the "incorrect" condition more frequently discussed correct concepts (e.g., the magnitude of a decimal and identifying misconceptions). Overall, contrasting incorrect examples with correct examples can help students learn correct concepts and procedures. (Contains 3 tables and 1 figure.)
Elsevier. 6277 Sea Harbor Drive, Orlando, FL 32887-4800. Tel: 877-839-7126; Tel: 407-345-4020; Fax: 407-363-1354; e-mail: usjcs@elsevier.com; Web site: http://www.elsevier.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education; Grade 4; Grade 5; Intermediate Grades
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
IES Funded: Yes
Grant or Contract Numbers: R305H050179
Author Affiliations: N/A