ERIC Number: EJ1029863
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2014-Jul
Pages: 37
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0021-8251
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Cognitive Complexity of Mathematics Instructional Tasks in a Taiwanese Classroom: An Examination of Task Sources
Hsu, Hui-Yu; Silver, Edward A.
Journal for Research in Mathematics Education, v45 n4 p460-496 Jul 2014
We examined geometric calculation with number tasks used within a unit of geometry instruction in a Taiwanese classroom, identifying the source of each task used in classroom instruction and analyzing the cognitive complexity of each task with respect to 2 distinct features: diagram complexity and problem-solving complexity. We found that instructional tasks were drawn from multiple sources, including textbooks, tests, supplemental materials, and the teacher. Our analysis of cognitive complexity indicated that the instructional tasks frequently involved both diagram complexity and problem-solving complexity. Moreover, the geometric calculation with number tasks from nontextbook sources tended to be more cognitively demanding than those found in the textbooks. Implications of task analysis on geometry domain and textbook analysis studies are discussed.
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Mathematics Instruction, Geometry, Teaching Methods, Problem Solving, Task Analysis, Textbook Evaluation, Difficulty Level, Cognitive Processes, Visual Aids, Textbooks, Grade 8, Video Technology, Middle School Teachers, Secondary School Mathematics
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. 1906 Association Drive, Reston, VA 20191-1502. Tel: 800-235-7566; Tel: 703-620-3702; Fax: 703-476-2970; e-mail: orders@nctm.org; Web site: http://www.nctm.org/publications/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: Grade 8; Middle Schools
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Taiwan
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A

Peer reviewed
Direct link
