Addition Concept through the Lenses of Young Children: Creating Visual Representation with Digital Cameras

Abstract

Acquiring abstract Mathematics concepts is often challenging for young children. This study explored young children's use of digital cameras to exhibit their understanding of the addition concept. It investigated how the processes involved in producing the photographs and creating the visual representation that helped to develop the children's comprehension of the concept of addition. This study employed a qualitative research design and data collection included observation, dialogues with children and children's artefact (i.e. photographs). Six children in a preschool centre were participants for the focus group. The findings showed that young children were capable photographers and that their visual representation images supported their understanding of the addition concept. The study implicated that the creation of mathematical visual representation is critical to facilitate the development of abstract mathematics concepts.

The Use of Representations in Supporting Early Mathematics Learning and Problem Solving

“…In this way, children can see the problems they are trying to solve as a process which is easier to understand. This is a more engaging way for children to learn because it helps them connect the numbers to the corresponding words (Abu Bakar et al, 2020b). In addition to this, the visual and tactile nature of representations can be useful for helping children practice problem solving.…”

“…In a study on solving addition operation problems among six-year-old children, Abu Bakar et al (2020b) found that children face difficulties and it is difficult to translate the addition operation in writing mathematical sentences that use the symbol plus (+) and equal to (=) or in other words is writing arithmetic equations because children are not yet able to express relationships between two objects involved in a problem solving addition operation.…”

Learning and Practising to Use Digital Cameras in Early Childhood Classrooms

“…As a research tool, photography permits children to express their views, thinking and understanding without being restricted to their verbal and written language competencies (Bakar, Yunus, Mohamed, & Karim, 2020). This is specifically beneficial for young children who frequently struggle to communicate with others about what they have in mind due to having limited language proficiencies.…”