Investigating fraction computation problem-solving among pre-service primary school teachers

Authors

  • Puri Pramudiani Universitas Muhammadiyah Prof. Dr. HAMKA https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9620-5283
  • Fitri Alyani Universitas Muhammadiyah Prof. DR. HAMKA
  • Maarten Dolk Utrecht University
  • Wanty Widjaja Deakin University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29408/jel.v10i3.27462

Keywords:

calculation, fraction, pre-service primary school teacher, workbook

Abstract

The ability to solve problems involving fractions is a fundamental aspect of mathematics education. This study explores how Pre-Service Primary School Teachers approach problem-solving in fractional computations. A workbook is designed to support pre-service primary school teachers ' computational thinking in fraction-context challenges. The study employs a qualitative descriptive method encompassing interviews, study documentation, and observation to assess fraction computation problem-solving abilities. Twenty-seven participants were involved in this study. They were first-year students enrolled in the Primary School Teacher Education Department at one of the private universities in Jakarta, Indonesia. The findings reveal a notable outcome in pre-service primary school teachers ' understanding of fraction computation problem-solving, marked by recognizable strategies in their problem-solving approach. This research suggests that designing a series of workbooks containing various strategies in computational fractions and building a strong fractional number sense can help pre-service teachers reduce misconceptions and better understand fraction operations. These findings offer guidance for mathematics teacher education on how to effectively teach and embed the concept of fraction calculations to their future students so that they can only teach procedurally if they understand the meaning of fraction operations.

Author Biographies

Puri Pramudiani, Universitas Muhammadiyah Prof. Dr. HAMKA

Department of Primary School Teacher Education

Fitri Alyani, Universitas Muhammadiyah Prof. DR. HAMKA

Department of Mathematics Education

Maarten Dolk, Utrecht University

Freudenthal Institute

Wanty Widjaja, Deakin University

School of Education, Faculty of Arts and Education

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Published

05-10-2024

How to Cite

Pramudiani, P., Alyani, F., Dolk, M., & Widjaja, W. (2024). Investigating fraction computation problem-solving among pre-service primary school teachers. Jurnal Elemen, 10(3), 685–710. https://doi.org/10.29408/jel.v10i3.27462

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