Multiple Linked Representations and Calculator Behaviour: The Design of a Computer-based Pedagogy

摘要

The mathematical problem solving ability of school children aged 12-13 years was assessed using the computer-based learning program ENCAL (Harrop, 2001, p. 97). The system helps children develop their concept of number and their skills with multiplication and addition with the help of a software calculator and some additional computer-based support. ENCAL is a novel method for improving the understanding of numerical structure in arithmetic through the use of computer-based multiple linked external representations. The system exploits three representations: iconic, calculator and datatree. Small-scale studies contributed to the design, and the results of a final evaluation study showed that the graphical constructs used in ENCAL are beneficial to understanding, suggesting that the approach can be usefully exploited in classroom mathematics education.