A Case Study On the 6th Graders' Understanding of Variables Using LOGO Programming

Logo 프로그래밍을 통한 초등학교 6학년 아동의 변수개념 이해

The concept of variables is central to mathematics teaching and learning in junior and senior high school. Understanding the concept provides the basis for the transition from arithmetic to algebra and necessary for the meaningful use of all advanced mathematics. Despite the importance of the concept, however, much has been written in the last decade concerning students' difficulties with the concept. This Thesis is based on research to investigate the hypothesis that LOGO programming will contribute to 6th grader' learning of variables. The aim of the research were to; .investigate practice on pupils' understanding of variables before the activity with a computer; .identify functions of LOGO programming in pupils' using and understanding of variable symbols, variable domain and the relationship between two variable dependent expressions during the activity using a computer; .investigate the influence of pupils' mathematical belief on understanding and using variables. The research consisted predominantly of a case study of 6 pupils' discourse and activities concerning variable during their abnormal lessons and interviews with researcher. The data collected for this study included video recordings of the pupils'work with their spoken language.