We compare the activity of young children using a microworld and a JavaScript
relational calculator with the literature on children using traditional calculators. We
describe how the children constructed different meanings for the equal sign in each
setting. It appears that the nature of the meaning constructed is highly dependent on
specificities of the task design and the tools available. In particular, the microworld
offers the potential for children to adopt a meaning of equivalence for the equal sign.
History
School
Science
Department
Mathematics Education Centre
Citation
JONES, I. and PRATT, D., 2005. Three utilities for the equals sign. IN: Chick, H.L. and Vincent, J.L. (eds). Proceedings of 29th Conference of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education, Vol. 3. PME 29: Learners and Learning Environments, Melbourne, Australia, 10th-15th July, pp. 185-192.