Geometric Aspects of Number Line Estimations

Year 2019, , 37 - 46, 25.01.2019

Sinan Olkun Mehmet Hayri Sarı , Glenn Gordon Smith

https://doi.org/10.30786/jef.460279

Cited By: 2

Abstract

Number lines are implicitly embedded in nature. Yet researchers
use them for measuring number sense as if they are processed purely through
numerical reasoning. We argue that number line estimation tasks are done both
by numerical and geometric reasoning. The purpose of this research was to
investigate the relationships among mathematics achievement, geometry
achievement, spatial skills, and number line estimations. A total of 142 fourth
graders were administered 5 different tests: 2 curriculum-based math
achievement tests, a spatial visualization test, a number line estimation test,
and the Raven Standard Progresive Matrices test. Results showed; estimation
accuracy of the relative magnitude of numbers on an empty number line has more
to do with geometry achievement and diagrammatic reasoning rather than with numerical
or arithmetic reasoning. It seems that number line estimation tasks may
constitute an interplay between number and shape. Therefore, we conclude that using
multiple external representations of numbers, such as spatial, symbolic, and
verbal could be useful in developing a more robust number sense.

Keywords

Number line estimations, numerical reasoning, geometric reasoning, number sense

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