EDMA310: Learning and Teaching Mathematics

Madeleine Ward
Part One: Rational Number Interview

Report on students rational number understandings (400 words).

Using a diagram, Georga can successfully determine the size of a unit fraction (a
fraction that has a numerator of 1) by visually analysing how many times it equally
fits into the whole. Georga demonstrates an understanding of simple fractions as
she is able to measure the location of the whole when given the fraction of an
object, whether it be a proper (e.g. two thirds) or improper fraction (e.g four thirds).
When analysing a dot array diagram, Georga can immediately identify the fraction
represented in its simplest form correctly (e.g. two thirds), however is unable to
rename the fraction (e.g. twelve eighteenths). Georga is able to place the majority
of simple fractions correctly on the number line (e.g. , 6/10, 9/4). While using the
provided whole number labels (e.g. 0, 1, 2, 3) Georga uses a partitioning strategy to
assist her, however Georga could not recognise the equivalent value of 6/10 and
3/5 and mistakenly places 3/5 between zero and one half. Although Georga can
correctly create a fraction sum that is close to one but not equal to one (e.g. +
3/5), she is unable to explain her reasoning and determine what the sum actually
equals (1/4 + 3/5 = 17/20). Georga is unable to correctly divide a fraction by a
fraction. Georga uses her knowledge of multiplication facts to assist her when
mentally determining fractions of whole numbers correctly. However when asked to
calculate a fraction of a fraction, Georga is unable to do so.

Georga is able to correctly order decimal figures from smallest to largest, by looking
at the number in the tenth place to assist her, and correctly write worded decimal
values into number figures (e.g. Thirty-seven hundredths 0.037). When asked to
measure in litres, Georga can correctly measure the amount of liquid in a
measuring jug when there is more than one litre of contents (e.g. 1.7 Litres).
However when the contents measure below one litre, Georga is unable to correctly
represent the measurement in decimal form as she tried to determine the
difference between millilitres and litres.

Georga can correctly determine fractions as quotients (the answer to a division

calculation), while relying on a diagram to visually divide whole numbers into equal
parts. However Georga did not demonstrate the ability to form a division equation
to calculate the answer.
When analysing a recipe for a drink, Georga could correctly identify the amount of
the litres the recipe would make, as well as how the recipe could be changed to
make more drink of the same strength by determining the fractions of the
ingredients. However, she was unable to convert these into a ratio or percentage.
Georga was able to correctly compare the strengths of two different recipes and
when comparing two different products, Georga was able to select the product that
was better value for money.