Making Sense of a Mathematical Microworld: A Pilot Study from a Logo Project in Costa Rica.

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Making Sense of a Mathematical Microworld: A Pilot Study from a Logo Project in Costa Rica.
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
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