Special Colloquium
Eva Thanheiser
San Diego State University, Center for Research in Mathematics and Science Education
Preservice Elementary School Teachers' Conceptions of Multidigit Whole Numbers
Abstract: Although preservice elementary school teachers (PSTs) have been shown to lack
the understanding of multidigit whole numbers necessary to teach in ways that
empower students mathematically, little is known about their conceptions. I
draw upon the extensive research on children's understanding of multidigit
whole numbers to explicate PSTs' conceptions of these numbers. I develop a
framework for PSTs' conceptions of multidigit whole numbers and use that
framework to describe their conceptions and their difficulties in the context
of the standard algorithms. I then link the PSTs' conceptions in the context
of the standard algorithms to their performance in other contexts.
Tuesday February 14, 2006 at 3:00 PM in SEO 636