Abstract
This study explored primary students’ knowledge of maps through a sample of
mathematics test items. One cohort completed these items annually for three years in
a mass testing situation. Another cohort was interviewed once on the same map
items. Mass testing results revealed that students’ performance generally improved
over time. However, significant gender differences in favour of boys were noted
annually on each item. Interview results highlighted key difficulties experienced by
both girls and boys including interpreting vocabulary incorrectly, attending to the
incorrect foci on maps, and overlooking critical information. Our results indicate a
need for a focus on extracting and reading information from maps, and analysing
and interpreting this information. Girls’ achievement should be closely monitored.
mathematics test items. One cohort completed these items annually for three years in
a mass testing situation. Another cohort was interviewed once on the same map
items. Mass testing results revealed that students’ performance generally improved
over time. However, significant gender differences in favour of boys were noted
annually on each item. Interview results highlighted key difficulties experienced by
both girls and boys including interpreting vocabulary incorrectly, attending to the
incorrect foci on maps, and overlooking critical information. Our results indicate a
need for a focus on extracting and reading information from maps, and analysing
and interpreting this information. Girls’ achievement should be closely monitored.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Proceedings of the Joint Meeting of PME 32 and PME-NA XXX. Vol. 2. México: Cinvestav-UMSNH |
| Editors | Olimpia Figueras, Jose Luis Cortina, Silvia Alatorre, Teresa Rojano, Armando Sepulveda |
| Place of Publication | Morealia, Michoacán, México |
| Publisher | International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education (IGPME) Inc |
| Pages | 415-421 |
| Number of pages | 7 |
| Volume | 2 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9789689020066 |
| Publication status | Published - 2008 |
| Externally published | Yes |
| Event | Joint Meeting of the 32nd annual conference of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education and the North American Chapter XXX - Morealia, Mexico Duration: 17 Jul 2008 → 21 Jul 2008 |
Publication series
| Name | Conference of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education |
|---|---|
| Publisher | International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education |
| Volume | 1 |
| ISSN (Print) | 0771-100X |
Conference
| Conference | Joint Meeting of the 32nd annual conference of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education and the North American Chapter XXX |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | Mexico |
| City | Morealia |
| Period | 17/07/08 → 21/07/08 |