LFU:online

Students of this course (1) know the different difficulties children have with understanding fractions, (2) are able to examine and discuss the research field on learners’ fraction understanding, (3) are able to select, analyze and critically discuss peer-reviewed research papers or book chapters that give insight in how teachers can instruct fractions in the classroom (oral presentation/written paper).

A good understanding of fractions is important for later success in mathematics and beyond. However, many learners show persistent difficulties to understand fractions. In this course, students will be given an overview of the developmental stages of learners’ fraction understanding. We will discuss the different difficulties and misconceptions children have about fractions based on theory and recent research papers. In a second phase, we will discuss what teachers can do in the classroom to help the learners understand fractions better.

oral presentation/written paper

assessment of this course will be done based on activity level during the lessons in the course and the oral/written discussion of the peer-reviewed research