Errors arise within the mathematical curriculum due to the lack of pupil’s mathematical knowledge (Ryan and Williams, 2007). However, if this underlying lack of knowledge deepens the error then turns into a misconception.
Therefore, this assignment will address Georgia’s misconceptions and errors that have been demonstrated throughout the Sats paper, by taking a main focus on equivalent fractions and the properties of 2D shapes; including angles. This will be supported through a variety of pedagogical methods in order to overcome these misconceptions.
Fractions are a common area in mathematics in which misconceptions arise. This is due to fractions being different from natural numbers (NRICH, 2013). Georgia shows a misconception in question
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This is supported through Georgia’s answers in question thirteen.
The first misconception Georgia has made is that a pentagon has to have five equal sides, therefore being regular. However, Georgia does not have the mathematical knowledge of regular and irregular polygons as she is unable to identify that a pentagon is any five-sided shape, this is demonstrated through the label of ‘crown’. A simple pedagogical method for overcoming this misconception is by calling pentagons ‘fivers’ as well as the correct mathematical term (Pratt, 2006).
Identifying properties of 2D shapes is a year two objective (DFE, 2013) therefore, Georgia’s answers could have been due to the lack of knowledge on acute angles. Pupils are expected to be able to identify acute angles in year four (DFE, 2014) therefore, Georgia is behind expectation. One pedagogical method to overcome this misconception Georgia has made is to encourage the pupils to draw the rotations on (Haylock, 2014). Further, pedagogical methods could be related to learning outside the classroom. Barmby et al (2009) expresses the importance of placing concepts related to shapes in a broader context to in able a deeper mathematical understanding for pupils. This is supported by the recent Ofsted report which states the successful use of the playground to extend pupils understanding of