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ENADA - Enhancing Adaptive Rational Number Knowledge

The aim of the research project is to (1) develop a better articulated theoretical understanding of the flexible and adaptive use of rational number knowledge, (2) study how this adaptive rational number knowledge develops in conventional mathematics education, and (3) examine how best to develop students adaptive rational number knowledge in rich, game-based learning environments.

The scientific principles of the project come from various different research fields such as learning psychology, mathematics, numerical cognition, learning sciences and human computer interaction.

Background

The project is consortium between Tampere University and University of Turku.  

Around 20 classes from the 5th and 7th grades will participate in the study. The interventions will be carried out in spring 2019 and in the fall 2019 and the delayed post-test year after the intervention.

Goal

Studies have shown that proficiency with fractions is a strong predictor of later mathematics. But, the domain of rational numbers still lacks well-developed theoretical models of flexible and adaptive proficiency and a pedagogical theory informing how this type of adaptive rational number knowledge and skills could be developed in educational contexts.    

The research project will result in substantial advancement in scientific understanding about the learning trajectories which lead to high level proficiency and adaptivity with rational numbers. The findings of the study will inform curriculum designer in developing new approaches to teach rational number knowledge. The digital tools and curriculum developed in the project will be made freely available to Finnish teachers after the completion of the study.

Funding source

Academy of Finland