Friday 5 April 2013


4th  April 2013
EDU Maths- Day 4

Today we started out our discussion with the understanding of assimilation and accommodation. Theory by Jean Piaget of about developing children's intellectual capacity.
From my understanding; through assimilation, we take in new information and incorporate them into our existing ideas, as for an example; a child sees a different type of monkey that she has never seen before and calls it a monkey. Here the child is adding information to the existing schema.
However, if that child is able to  completely change her existing beliefs, then it is called accommodation.  This learning process applies to not only children but to adults too.

Our study on Fraction and in any mathematical subject requires us to understand that our children should be taught  through the CPA approach . Only through concrete practice, pictorial experiences and later on abstract approach can children comprehend the logic thinking of any concepts.  As what we did in class , by taking a piece of paper and folding it into 8's and having to figure out how many 8's in 5/8  and how many 3/8's were there in 1/2 was challenging. 
What I learnt in school, years ago back then and now is so different.  We convert and simplify before working out the sum. 
The tips below helps not only teachers but parents as well on how to help child learn fractions the fun and concrete way.

Teaching fractions to your child

You can guide your child through the process of learning fractions. Use these tips to help answer questions they might have about fractions:
  • think about sharing equally
  • the numerator is the number of the top
  • the denominator is the number of the bottom (memory tip: d is for denominator, d is for down – at the bottom
  • Like with all math, experiencing the concept is the best for learning. Use objects and share them. Pizza is always popular.
  • Discuss fractions with your child whenever you come across a “real life” example. Sporting events, newspaper articles and hardware stores are all good sources.
  • Review the methods for adding, multiplying and dividing fractions yourself.
(http://www.helpingwithmath.com/by_subject/fractions/fra_teaching_fractions.htm)

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