A Study of Experts Understanding of Arithmetic Mean: An Articulation of Conceptions of Arithmetic Mean - Softcover

MacCullough, Deborah

Softcover

ISBN 10: 3639097106 ISBN 13: 9783639097108

Publisher: VDM Verlag Dr. Müller, 2008

Synopsis

Arithmetic mean is a concept which, although simplein form, is quite complicated to fully understand.The purpose of this study was to examine how expertsunderstood arithmetic mean in order to providearticulations of their understandings. Additionally,the articulations of conceptions of arithmetic meancould give a research-based foundation to futurestudies done to examine how to develop understandingof arithmetic mean. Five participants, each withexpertise with arithmetic mean, were interviewed toprobe into how they were thinking of arithmetic mean.Analysis of the interviews led to an articulation oftwo distinct conceptions of arithmetic mean:understanding the algorithm for arithmetic mean andunderstanding arithmetic mean as a mathematical pointof balance. The experts did not have areadily-available description of how theseconceptions were connected. However, follow upinterviews led to a hypothesized connection betweenthe conceptions through the use of leveling-off. Thishypothesis lays a foundation for future studies onhow children may develop a fuller and connectedunderstanding of arithmetic mean.

About this title

About the Author

Deborah MacCullough has a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction,Mathematics Education from The Pennsylvania State University.Sheis currently an Associate Professor of Mathematics and Educationat Philadelphia Biblical University.

Edition details

• Publisher: VDM Verlag Dr. Müller
• Publication date: 2008
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 3639097106
• ISBN 13: 9783639097108
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 216