Opportunities created by misdirection in mathematics education
Files
Accepted manuscript
Date
2016
DOI
Authors
Richman, Andrew
Miller, Elyssa
Brakoniecki, Aaron
Dietiker, Leslie
Version
OA Version
Citation
Andrew Richman, Elyssa Miller, Aaron Brakoniecki, Leslie Dietiker. 2016. "Opportunities created by misdirection in mathematics education." Proceedings of the 38th annual meeting of the North American Chapter of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education (pp. 109-112). Tucson, AZ: The University of Arizona.
Abstract
This study provides evidence that enacted lessons based on written curriculum do not need to follow a direct curricular path from beginning to end. Deviations in this path, which we refer to as misdirection, can create opportunities for enhanced student interest in mathematical questions. We present three examples of misdirection from two enacted lessons and describe how they intensified student investment in the mathematics by creating contradictions that inspired students to ask their own mathematical questions. These examples can serve as models to teachers and curriculum writers who seek ways to motivate students to pursue mathematical understanding.
Description
License
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