Teaching numeracy using the literacy strategy of visualization for constructivist classrooms
Date
2011-12-19
Authors
Lancaster, Cindy
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Abstract
This project was conducted to investigate the potential application of the literacy strategy of visualization to the teaching of numeracy in middle schools. The project involved a comprehensive literature review of four related components: numeracy definitions and understandings, constructivist theory, visualization as a strategy, and professional development theories related to numeracy teachers. After completing the literature reviews in these areas, it was apparent that there is an abundance of research related to the use of visualization as a comprehension tool for developing abstract concepts. However, there was an absence of specific applications of visualization for students in a Grade 7 classroom. As a result, I created a handbook that can be used by teachers to apply this strategy in an explicit manner when teaching various numeracy concepts. The handbook is based on research, theory and government curriculum documents for British Columbia and describes practical applications of the theory in the form of five specific lessons. These five lessons in three numeracy strands (integers, decimals, and algebra) were developed because the application of visualization may not be obvious in these contexts. The handbook is also meant to be a springboard to further development of cross curricular strategies and an impetus for constructivist teaching in the classroom.
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Keywords
teaching, numeracy, literacy, lessons, visualization, constructivism, Grade 7