scholarly journals A Joint Assessment of Reasoning about General Statements in Mathematics and Biology

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 270-287
Author(s):  
Libuše Samková ◽  
Lukáš Rokos ◽  
Lukáš Vízek
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Study ◽  
Formative Assessment ◽  
Deductive Reasoning ◽  
Professional Preparation ◽  
Arithmetic Geometry ◽  
Primary School Teachers ◽  
School Subjects ◽  
Conversion Table ◽  
And Mathematics ◽  
Joint Coding

This contribution belongs to a larger empirical study that focuses on issues related to the implementation of inquiry-based learning and formative assessment in science and mathematics education, while it also refers to the issue of STEM education. Here, we discuss the two topics from the perspective of professional preparation of primary school teachers. We employ an educational tool called Concept Cartoons and perceive it as a common diagnostic tool for investigating modes of reasoning about general statements in arithmetic, geometry and biology. The presented qualitative exploratory empirical study maps and codes various kinds of reasoning that can be identified with the tool and investigates possibilities of a joint coding procedure. As a result, it provides a conversion table between various modes of reasoning in the three subject domains. The arisen code categories cover the field of generic examples, including the initial stages so that they can be used for scaffolding the process of learning the foundations of deductive reasoning. The joint approach to reasoning in mathematics and biology shows how argumentation and formative assessment can be understood equally and developed simultaneously in both school subjects. It helps us to see how the two school subjects can be integrated didactically.

scholarly journals Arithmetic Word Problems Revisited: Cognitive Processes and Academic Performance in Secondary School

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 155
Author(s):  
Gonzalo Duque de Blas ◽  
Isabel Gómez-Veiga ◽  
Juan A. García-Madruga
Keyword(s):  
Academic Performance ◽  
Word Problems ◽  
Spatial Reasoning ◽  
Deductive Reasoning ◽  
Executive Processes ◽  
Mathematical Operation ◽  
Visual Spatial ◽  
And Mathematics ◽  
The One ◽  
Memory Resources

Solving arithmetic word problems is a complex task that requires individuals to activate their working memory resources, as well as the correct performance of the underlying executive processes involved in order to inhibit semantic biases or superficial responses caused by the problem’s statement. This paper describes a study carried out with 135 students of Secondary Obligatory Education, each of whom solved 5 verbal arithmetic problems: 2 consistent problems, whose mathematical operation (add/subtract) and the verbal statement of the problem coincide, and 3 inconsistent problems, whose required operation is the inverse of the one suggested by the verbal term(s). Measures of reading comprehension, visual–spatial reasoning and deductive reasoning were also obtained. The results show the relationship between arithmetic problems and cognitive measures, as well as the ability of these problems to predict academic performance. Regression analyses confirmed that arithmetic word problems were the only measure with significant power of association with academic achievement in both History/Geography (β = 0.25) and Mathematics (β = 0.23).

scholarly journals Causes of learning problems in primary school students

2003 ◽  
pp. 151-165
Author(s):  
Snezana Mirkov
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Primary School ◽  
Technical Education ◽  
Learning Problems ◽  
Previous Knowledge ◽  
Primary School Students ◽  
School Students ◽  
School Subjects ◽  
Eighth Grade Students ◽  
And Mathematics

Investigations were conducted on learning problems using the sample of eighth-grade students of primary school (N=335). The respondents opted for one or more than seven offered statements related to: insufficient previous knowledge, insufficient studying, teaching contents (extensive, difficult unintelligible), textbook and teacher?s method of presenting the contents. On the basis of the results obtained, one-third of students have problems in mastering teaching contents of foreign language, physics and chemistry, and about one-fourth in mastering those of history and mathematics. All the mentioned causes of problems are present in varying degrees in some school subjects. The causes of learning problems are markedly present in a larger number of school subjects and they are related to some characteristics of teaching contents. Respondents point out, to a large extent, that teaching contents of technical education are uninteresting. In addition, students? responses indicate that it is necessary to improve the method for mastering the teaching contents in various school subjects i.e. methods applied in the teaching process. Subjective causes, as pointed out by students, are connected with some of the subjects they have characterized as the most difficult. Unintelligible textbook is stressed to the lowest extent as a cause of learning problems compared to other causes stated for the majority of school subjects.

Higher Education

2019 ◽  
pp. 159-180
Author(s):  
Nicholas D. Smith
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Empirical Study ◽  
Arithmetic Geometry ◽  
Mathematical Study ◽  
Mathematical Objects ◽  
The Future ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Relationship

Explains the curricula included in the proposed higher education of the future rulers: arithmetic, geometry, stereometry, astronomy, harmony, and dialectic. Once again addresses questions of what Plato thought about mathematical objects and how he talks about these in Book VII of the Republic. Considers debates about just how and why Plato assigned such an important role to mathematical studies in the training of the power of knowledge for the future rulers. Considers the relationship of “formal” as opposed to “empirical” study, particularly in Plato’s requirement of astronomy as the penultimate mathematical study. Discusses what we can discern about Plato’s conception of dialectic and how that fits as the final element in the “highest studies” that prepare the future rulers to begin to engage in political rule. Shows how in spite of these studies culminating in the highest cognitive achievements, they must be followed by fifteen years of political apprenticeship, and why only after this training can Plato’s best students become philosopher rulers.

Teachers' self-efficacy and formative assessment of students: Moderating role of school goal structure

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (6) ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Xiaoqing Xiang ◽  
Sichang Yum ◽  
Rong Lian
Keyword(s):  
Formative Assessment ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Moderating Effect ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Assessment Practices ◽  
Goal Structure ◽  
Primary School Teachers ◽  
Mastery Goal ◽  
The Relationship

Although the importance of formative assessment of student progress has been well covered in previous studies, implementing formative assessment in the classroom requires targeted tools and educational policies. Therefore, we examined the factors that affect teachers' use of formative assessment practices and analyzed the moderating effect of the school's mastery goal structure in the relationship between teachers' self-efficacy and their use of formative assessment practices. Participants were 507 Chinese primary school teachers, who completed a survey. Structural equation modeling results reveal that teachers' selfefficacy regarding formative assessment and perception of a school mastery goal structure each positively predicted the use of formative assessment practices. The moderating effect of the school mastery goal structure in the relationship between teachers' self-efficacy and their use of formative assessment practices was also statistically significant. Our findings have implications for policy making and practice as well as for further studies regarding formative assessment of students.

scholarly journals Educational Robotics in the Stage of Secondary Education: Empirical Study on Motivation and STEM Skills

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 73 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nuria Arís ◽  
Lara Orcos
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Education ◽  
Empirical Study ◽  
Research Study ◽  
Educational Robotics ◽  
Objective Data ◽  
Scientific Curiosity ◽  
Mathematics Skills ◽  
Science Technology ◽  
Teachers And Students ◽  
And Mathematics

Educational robotics (ER) is increasingly present in secondary education classrooms and has acquired greater projection, especially with the appearance of championships, such as FIRST® LEGO® League. These competitions are based on a globalizing focus of the different areas of the curriculum, therefore, we consider that it directly links with the achievement of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) skills. We present a research study that provides objective data based on the opinions of teachers and students that participated in this championship during the course 2017/2018 about its impact in the learning process. To this end, Spanish students and teachers answered questionnaires to collect their perceptions and assessments just after their participation. The results obtained allow us to conclude that both teachers and students believe this project promotes interest and scientific curiosity, as well as social skills through teamwork.

scholarly journals Venues for Analytical Reasoning Problems: How Children Produce Deductive Reasoning

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 169
Author(s):  
Susana Carreira ◽  
Nélia Amado ◽  
Hélia Jacinto
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Deductive Reasoning ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Web Based ◽  
School Competition ◽  
Analytical Reasoning ◽  
Reasoning Problem ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Per Se ◽  
And Mathematics

The research on deductive reasoning in mathematics education has been predominantly associated with the study of proof; consequently, there is a lack of studies on logical reasoning per se, especially with young children. Analytical reasoning problems are adequate tasks to engage the solver in deductive reasoning, as they require rule checking and option elimination, for which chains of inferences based on premises and rules are accomplished. Focusing on the solutions of children aged 10–12 to an analytical reasoning problem proposed in two separate settings—a web-based problem-solving competition and mathematics classes—this study aims to find out what forms of deductive reasoning they undertake and how they express that reasoning. This was done through a qualitative content analysis encompassing 384 solutions by children participating in a beyond-school competition and 102 solutions given by students in their mathematics classes. The results showed that four different types of deductive reasoning models were produced in the two venues. Moreover, several representational resources were found in the children’s solutions. Overall, it may be concluded that moderately complex analytical reasoning tasks can be taken into regular mathematics classes to support and nurture young children’s diverse deductive reasoning models.

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