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Representational change and strategy use in children's number line estimation during the first years of primary school

Published version
Peer-reviewed

Type

Article

Change log

Authors

White, SLJ 
Szűcs, D 

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to scrutinize number line estimation behaviors displayed by children in mathematics classrooms during the first three years of schooling. We extend existing research by not only mapping potential logarithmic-linear shifts but also provide a new perspective by studying in detail the estimation strategies of individual target digits within a number range familiar to children. METHODS: Typically developing children (n = 67) from Years 1-3 completed a number-to-position numerical estimation task (0-20 number line). Estimation behaviors were first analyzed via logarithmic and linear regression modeling. Subsequently, using an analysis of variance we compared the estimation accuracy of each digit, thus identifying target digits that were estimated with the assistance of arithmetic strategy. RESULTS: Our results further confirm a developmental logarithmic-linear shift when utilizing regression modeling; however, uniquely we have identified that children employ variable strategies when completing numerical estimation, with levels of strategy advancing with development. CONCLUSION: In terms of the existing cognitive research, this strategy factor highlights the limitations of any regression modeling approach, or alternatively, it could underpin the developmental time course of the logarithmic-linear shift. Future studies need to systematically investigate this relationship and also consider the implications for educational practice.

Description

Keywords

Algorithms, Analysis of Variance, Child, Child Development, Concept Formation, Data Interpretation, Statistical, Female, Humans, Linear Models, Male, Mathematics, Mental Processes, Neuropsychological Tests, Psychomotor Performance, Regression Analysis, Schools, Wechsler Scales

Journal Title

Behavioral and Brain Functions

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

1744-9081
1744-9081

Volume Title

8

Publisher

BioMed Central
Sponsorship
Medical Research Council (G0900643)
Medical Research Council (G0001354)
This research was conducted as part of the PhD project completed by Sonia White at the University of Cambridge, who was supported by the Cambridge Commonwealth Trust. This research was also partly funded by the Medical Research Council, Ref. G90951.