ERIC Number: EJ800621
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2006
Pages: 11
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0732-3123
EISSN: N/A
The Difficulty of "Length x Width": Is a Square the Unit of Measurement?
Kamii, Constance; Kysh, Judith
Journal of Mathematical Behavior, v25 n2 p105-115 2006
In individual interviews, 220 students in grades 4, 6, 8, and 9 were given one task, and 72 eighth graders were given three tasks to answer two questions: (a) Is a square the unit of measurement for an area for students in grades 4-8? and (b) Does a square have a space-covering characteristic for students in grade 8? The answers to both questions were No (except for eighth (and ninth) graders in advanced sections of mathematics). The difficulty of "length x width" is explained in light of Piaget's theory, and educational implications are discussed. (Contains 9 figures and 3 tables.)
Descriptors: Geometric Concepts, Grade 8, Grade 4, Piagetian Theory, Grade 6, Grade 9, Interviews, Mathematics Instruction, Problem Solving, Elementary School Students, Secondary School Students, Measurement
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Secondary Education; Grade 4; Grade 6; Grade 8; Grade 9
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A