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Overview |
Introduction to Rational Numbers | Place Value Notes | Decimals and Whole Numbers | Software & Decimals |
On the following pages you will find notes about the teaching of decimal fractions and percents, prepared by:
| Peter Price, PhD |
Mathematics Education Lecturer, Christian Heritage College, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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There is widespread research and anecdotal evidence that shows that decimal fraction concepts are poorly understood by many students. Unlike whole numbers that can be modeled effectively using place-value blocks and other base-ten material, rational numbers present a number of difficulties for effectively modeling them. In particular, it is difficult for some students to perceive the “whole-part” notion that is at the heart of all rational number concepts. The models used by teachers must be chosen and used carefully, to avoid giving students unwanted ideas.
The computational capabilities of computers have been put to good use by software developers, in “bringing math to life” for young students. However, many programs focus on drill and practice, rather than the development of number concepts. These notes refer to a computer program that models decimal fractions, as an example of how computer technology can be used in mathematics teaching. The capabilities of the computer allow the models for rational numbers to be linked to written symbols for numbers, and to be manipulated in ways not possible with physical materials.
| Introduction |
| Place Value |
| Decimals, Percents and Whole Numbers |
| Using Software to Teach Decimals
These notes were prepared as handouts for a conference session: NCTM 1999 Annual Meeting - San Francisco [Visit the NCTM site] |
Pages last updated 30 December, 2004
© Peter Price, 1999
