ERIC Number: ED612865
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2018
Pages: 21
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Playing with Integer Concepts: A Quest for Structure
Bofferding, Laura; Aqazade, Mahtob; Farmer, Sherri
Research in Mathematics Education
How children play around with new numerical concepts can provide important information about the structure and patterns they notice in number systems. In this chapter, we report on data from 243 second graders who were asked to fill in missing numbers on a number path (encouraging them to play around with numbers less than zero) and to solve integer arithmetic problems (encouraging them to play around with the concepts of addition and subtraction involving negative integers). When playing around with the number paths, students made patterns, continued the number sequence in interesting ways, and used invented notation. When playing around with the operations, they interpreted negative signs as subtraction signs or added negative signs to their answers. Their play with the number path often connected to their play with operations, revealing that although some students were attuned to the pattern in the order of numbers and operations as movement in a particular direction, others focused more on numerical values and operations as changes in amount. The various ways in which children played with integers provide insight into their conceptual change process and can provide guidance for ways teachers could help students build on their logic. [For the complete volume, "Exploring the Integer Addition and Subtraction Landscape: Perspectives on Integer Thinking," see ED612853.]
Descriptors: Mathematics Instruction, Mathematical Concepts, Teaching Methods, Numbers, Grade 2, Elementary School Students, Problem Solving, Concept Formation, Thinking Skills
Springer. Available from: Springer Nature. One New York Plaza, Suite 4600 New York, NY 10004. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-460-1700; e-mail:customerservice@springernature.com; Web site: https://www-springer-com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/gp/education-language
Publication Type: Reports - Research
Education Level: Early Childhood Education; Elementary Education; Grade 2; Primary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: National Science Foundation (NSF), Division of Research on Learning in Formal and Informal Settings (DRL)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: DRL1350281
Author Affiliations: N/A

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