ERIC Number: EJ1050782
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2015
Pages: 26
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1524-8372
EISSN: N/A
Making Connections in Math: Activating a Prior Knowledge Analogue Matters for Learning
Sidney, Pooja G.; Alibali, Martha W.
Journal of Cognition and Development, v16 n1 p160-185 2015
This study investigated analogical transfer of conceptual structure from a prior-knowledge domain to support learning in a new domain of mathematics: division by fractions. Before a procedural lesson on division by fractions, fifth and sixth graders practiced with a surface analogue (other operations on fractions) or a structural analogue (whole number division). During the lesson, half of the children were also asked to link the prior-knowledge analogue they had practiced to fraction division. As expected, participants learned the taught procedure for fraction division equally well, regardless of condition. However, among those who were not asked to link during the lesson, participants who practiced with the structurally similar analogue gained more conceptual knowledge of fraction division than did those who practiced with the surface-similar analogue. There was no difference in conceptual learning between the two groups of participants who were asked to link; both groups performed less well than did participants who practiced with the structural analogue and were not asked to link. These findings suggest that learning is supported by activating a conceptually relevant prior-knowledge analogue. However, unguided linking to previously learned problems may result in negative transfer and misconceptions about the structure of the target domain. This experiment has practical implications for mathematics instruction and curricular sequencing.
Descriptors: Prior Learning, Transfer of Training, Elementary School Students, Mathematics Instruction, Mathematical Concepts, Teaching Methods, Misconceptions, Middle School Students, Worksheets, Error Patterns
Psychology Press. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 325 Chestnut Street Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Fax: 215-625-2940; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Elementary Education; Middle Schools; Secondary Education; Junior High Schools
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Institute of Education Sciences (ED)
Authoring Institution: N/A
IES Funded: Yes
Grant or Contract Numbers: R305C050055