MFPC111 LU 3: Teaching and Learning in Foundation Phase Mathematics

Flashcards for reviewing Foundation Phase Mathematics lecture notes.

What are the key ways children attain knowledge and skills according to Naude & Meier?

Observation and Imitation, Play and Exploration, Trial and Error, Language and Communication, Social Interaction, Guided Instruction (Scaffolding), Repetition and Practice, Hands-on Experiences

What does the CRA method stand for?

Concrete, Representational, Abstract

What is the significance of Thinking Maps in cognitive development?

Thinking Maps enhance higher-order thinking by encouraging learners to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information.

How do Thinking Maps cater to diverse learning styles?

Thinking Maps cater to visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learners.

What is internal representation of knowledge?

Mental models, ideas, or concepts that exist within a person's mind.

Give an example of internal representation in math.

Visualizing a geometric shape (imagining a triangle in your mind).

What is external representation of knowledge?

Physical or observable ways knowledge and concepts are communicated or recorded outside the mind.

Give an example of external representation in math.

Drawing a graph to represent data.

Describe the learning process involving internal and external representation.

Internal Understanding -> External Representation -> Feedback Loop -> Deeper Internal Understanding

What is procedural learning?

Acquiring the steps or methods needed to perform a task or solve a problem; the 'how' of a process.

Give an example of procedural learning in math.

Solving a long division problem step-by-step.

What is a weakness of procedural learning?

Students may follow procedures mechanically without understanding why they work.

What is conceptual learning?

Understanding the underlying principles, ideas, and relationships behind a concept or process; the 'why' of a concept.

Give an example of conceptual learning in math.

Understanding why 500c = R5.

What is a strength of conceptual learning?

Enables students to transfer knowledge to new situations or problems.

According to Rittle-Johnson & Wagner (1999), what is procedural knowledge?

Action sequences for solving problems

List the levels of cognitive demand.

Memorization, Procedures without Connections, Procedures with Connections, Doing Mathematics

Why is it important to begin with conceptual learning?

To develop a foundation of understanding the 'why' behind a concept.

Name the four key processes to understanding mathematics.

Concrete Experiences, Language, Pictures, Symbols

What do 'pictures' include for understanding mathematics?

All kinds of charts, graphs, pictograms and sorting diagrams and, especially, the picture of number as provided in number strips and number lines.