The Effect of Using Multiple Mathematical Representations of Rational number concepts in Basic Grades Students in Jordan

Abstract

This study, aimed at the effect of using multiple mathematical representations of rational number concept in basic grades students in jordan. The current study employed the content analysis approach to investigate the multiple mathematical representations and transitions among them in 8th Grade Mathematics Textbook. An observation method was used to analyses the teacher practices (n=35 observations), and record the representations and transitions. The results showed that there was an existence of symbol and verbal representations in the textbook and teachers' implementation. Meanwhile, the other three representations (pictures and figures, models and Cutters, and life situations). And This study explored the nature of difficulties of eighth-grade students who struggled to build their conceptual understanding of early fraction ideas. interviews with Pre and post of students were conducted for a sufficient identification of the nature of the students' difficulties. The study revealed The students also minimal use of informal ordering strategies that involve more conceptual than a procedural understanding of the concept of initial fraction ideas.