Making Sense of a Mathematical Microworld: A Pilot Study from a Logo Project in Costa Rica.
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| Title: | Making Sense of a Mathematical Microworld: A Pilot Study from a Logo Project in Costa Rica. |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Edwards, Laurie D. |
| Peer Reviewed: | N |
| Page Count: | 10 |
| Publication Date: | 1994 |
| Document Type: | Reports - Research Speeches/Meeting Papers |
| Descriptors: | Discovery Learning, Discussion Groups, Discussion (Teaching Technique), Elementary School Students, Exploratory Behavior, Foreign Countries, Grade 6, Intermediate Grades, Mathematics Education, Microworlds, Observation, Problem Solving |
| Geographic Terms: | Costa Rica |
| Abstract: | This paper reports on a pilot study of 34 sixth-grade students engaged in mathematical explorations that was carried out in the context of a national Logo project in Costa Rica. Students worked in pairs investigating a mathematical microworld written in Logo. The investigation had three phases: (1) open exploration of the microworld, during which the students recorded their observations and formulated hypotheses about how the program worked; (2) group discussion and sharing of hypotheses; and (3) additional guided discovery and problem solving. Through observations and collection of written worksheets, it was found that the students were successful in discovering certain functions of the microworld during the first phase, and their hypotheses were improved after discussion with their peers, guided by the instructor. The students were successful in applying their knowledge of the computer microworld in the problem-solving tasks during the third phase. Contains 12 references. (MKR) |
| Entry Date: | 1995 |
| Accession Number: | ED374990 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | This paper reports on a pilot study of 34 sixth-grade students engaged in mathematical explorations that was carried out in the context of a national Logo project in Costa Rica. Students worked in pairs investigating a mathematical microworld written in Logo. The investigation had three phases: (1) open exploration of the microworld, during which the students recorded their observations and formulated hypotheses about how the program worked; (2) group discussion and sharing of hypotheses; and (3) additional guided discovery and problem solving. Through observations and collection of written worksheets, it was found that the students were successful in discovering certain functions of the microworld during the first phase, and their hypotheses were improved after discussion with their peers, guided by the instructor. The students were successful in applying their knowledge of the computer microworld in the problem-solving tasks during the third phase. Contains 12 references. (MKR) |
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