Math 131

Spring 05

 

Reflection: Fractions

 

            If possible, please email your thoughts to me.  If not, feel free to turn in a hard copy.  This reflection is officially due on Monday April 11, but any time that week is fine.

 

  1. Describe your experience of learning about fractions in school.  What topics do you remember understanding?  What topics did you struggle with?  Did fractions play a significant role in whether or not you thought of yourself as a good mathematics student?  How?  
  2. What do you think makes understanding fractions so difficult for so many children?  What might help them understand more?
  3. Name three fractions that are equal to 2/3.  Choose one of the fractions and draw a visual model that could show a skeptical child why that fraction is equal to 2/3.  (Note, if you want to use an area model and make your drawing in word, the shading works better if you make each “piece” a separate shape, i.e. rather than draw a rectangle and then add lines, put several smaller rectangles together to make the big rectangle… then you can shade in what you’d like… but you don’t have to use an area model).
  4. Name three fractions that are between 1/2 and 3/4.  Give a convincing explanation that your answers are correct.

 

Copyright 2005, Debra K. Borkovitz.  You may copy or edit this material for non-profit, educational use only.

 

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