Abstracting by Constructing and Revising a 'Partially Correct Construct': A Case Study

Mathematics Education Research Group of Australasia. GPO Box 2747, Adelaide SA 5001, Australia. Tel: +61-8-8363-0288; Fax: +61-8-8362-9288; e-mail: [email protected]; Web site: http://www.merga.net.au/

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8

Australian Research Council

Video Technology; Mathematics Education; Problem Solving; Foreign Countries; Grade 5; Mathematics Curriculum; Case Studies; Interviews; Data Analysis; Conferences (Gatherings); Mathematics; Mathematics Instruction

This study draws on data from a broader video-stimulated interview study of the role of optimism in collaborative problem solving. It examines the activity of a Grade 5 student, Tom, whose initial constructing activity resulted in a "Partially Correct Construct". Insistent questioning from another group member pressuring for clarification led to Tom developing a "more correct construct" with further potential for revision. This paper raises questions about influences that can stimulate or inhibit construct refinement. (Contains 3 tables.) [For the complete proceedings, "Shaping the Future of Mathematics Education. Proceedings of the Annual Conference of the Mathematics Education Research Group of Australasia (33rd, Freemantle, Western Australia, Australia, July 3-7, 2010)," see ED520764.]

As Provided

9

2011

ED521028