Work

From the whole to its parts – A systematic analysis of affordances for learning part-whole-relations in digital apps

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Understanding part-whole relations is crucial in early mathematics education. However, both analogue and digital learning environments often lack systematic approaches to foster part-whole understanding. With the rising popularity of educational apps, it is essential to evaluate how they implement learning of part-whole relations. Accordingly, this review aims to evaluate whether educational math apps provide a systematic approach to learn part-whole relations. Therefore, we first developed a framework for evaluating apps with a focus on opportunities for learning part-whole relations. Second, we applied this framework to evaluate n = 18 apps. Results indicated that none of the reviewed apps implemented a systematic approach to learn part-whole relations from hands-on to more abstract compositions/decompositions including number triples up to ten. In contrast, the automating of number compositions/decompositions is most frequently targeted. These findings underscore the importance of selecting educational apps carefully and integrating principles from effective learning environments and digital learning research into future app design.

Source: International Electronic Journal of Mathematics Education

DOI: 10.29333/iejme/15677

Authors: Caroline Marx, Stephanie Roesch, Korbinian Moeller, Christiane Benz

Institutions: Karlsruhe University of Education, University of Tübingen, Loughborough University

Language: English

Topic: Mathematics Education and Teaching Techniques

Subfield: Education

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Quality education

Open Access status: diamond

Funders: UK Research and Innovation, Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, Economic and Social Research Council