NotesFAQContact Us
Collection
Advanced
Search Tips
Peer reviewed Peer reviewed
PDF on ERIC Download full text
ERIC Number: EJ1249495
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2020
Pages: 21
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-1562-0506
EISSN: N/A
What Do Teachers Think about Finger-Counting?
Mutlu, Yilmaz; Akgün, Levent; Akkusci, Yavuz Erdem
International Journal of Curriculum and Instruction, v12 n1 p268-288 2020
The aim of this study is to determine preschool, special education, elementary school teacher and mathematics teachers' views of finger-counting in mathematics teaching. The study was conducted with case study design. The sample of the study consisted of 34 teachers. Data were collected using an 8-item written form, and content analysis was performed. The findings of the study indicate that most participants use fingers as manipulatives in the teaching of numbers and counting but use them very little when teaching the four operations. Most participants state that finger-counting should be used at ages 4-8 / 4-11 while some state that there should not be any age limit. According to the participants, the advantages of finger-counting are that it is practical and accessible, facilitates retention and internalization, and makes the arithmetic more concrete while its disadvantages are that it restricts and slows down the execution of the four operations, prevents the development of mental arithmetic skills and turns into a habit. They state that students who insist on finger-counting have high anxiety, poor memory, and low self-confidence and achievement. Some participants encourage their students to perform mathematical calculations without using pen and paper to help them break the habit of finger-counting and also receive parental support during the process. The fact that students have different characteristics should be taken into account when addressing the use of finger-counting in mathematics teaching because the use of fingers in counting and calculation may be a necessity rather than a choice for some students.
World Council for Curriculum and Instruction. California School of Education, Alliant International University, 10455 Pomerado Road, San Diego, CA 92131. Web site: http://ijci.wcci-international.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Early Childhood Education; Preschool Education; Elementary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A