The Learning Of Fractions: How Can It Be Built On The Learning Of Whole Numbers?

Dr. Liping Ma, author, Knowing and Teaching Elementary Mathematics
There may be two approaches to teaching fractions: Teaching fractions "in parallel" with whole numbers or first teaching students about whole numbers, then building their understanding of fractions. The first is a well-known and widely used approach in U.S. elementary schools. This talk will describe the second approach: How students' understanding of the concept of fraction as well as their skill in computing with fractions may be built on their learning of whole numbers and how students' learning of whole numbers may be carefully designed so that it serves as a sound foundation for learning fractions.
Location:
McGuinn 334