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Prototype images in mathematics education: the case of the graphical representation of the definite integral.
- Source :
-
Educational Studies in Mathematics . Mar2018, Vol. 97 Issue 3, p215-234. 20p. - Publication Year :
- 2018
-
Abstract
- Many mathematical concepts may have prototypical images associated with them. While prototypes can be beneficial for efficient thinking or reasoning, they may also have self-attributes that may impact reasoning about the concept. It is essential that mathematics educators understand these prototype images in order to fully recognize their benefits and limitations. In this paper, I examine prototypes in a context in which they seem to play an important role: graphical representations of the calculus concept of the definite integral. I use student data to empirically describe the makeup of the definite integral prototype image, and I report on the frequency of its appearance among student, instructor, and textbook image data. I end by discussing the possible benefits and drawbacks of this particular prototype, as well as what the results of this study may say about prototypes more generally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 00131954
- Volume :
- 97
- Issue :
- 3
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Educational Studies in Mathematics
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 127931128
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1007/s10649-017-9794-z