Dissertations and Theses @ UNI
Availability
Open Access Dissertation
Keywords
Blocks (Toys) in mathematics education; Geometry concept; Academic theses;
Abstract
This study addresses the curriculum issues of young children's geometric knowledge and how they can learn about geometry in early education. To investigate, I designed a pattern block frame activity that was the focus of a seven-week intervention with four-year-old children in a constructivist classroom. All children were considered at-risk for school failure. The investigation is rooted in my unsatisfying experiences with pattern blocks in my preschool classrooms.
Data were obtained from a pre and posttest assessment administered to ascertain the effects of the intervention on all children in the classroom and from observations of children's behavior as they engaged in the pattern block activity during the seven weeks after the pretest. Piaget's (1936/1952; 1937/1954; 1961/1969; 1975/1985; Piaget and Inhelder, 1948/1956) theory of knowledge or intelligence was the framework for the detailed qualitative analysis of one exemplar's progress during the intervention.
Results of both the pre and posttest and the microanalysis indicate children made significant progress in their construction of geometric knowledge. Children learned to match shapes with corresponding spaces, and distinguish among and coordinate the sizes of angles and spaces. I describe, with a series of detailed drawings, one exemplar's actions during the activity. I focus on his mental progress as he constructs the geometric knowledge necessary to successfully complete even the most difficult frames. I conclude with suggestions for further research and educational implications.
Year of Submission
2007
Degree Name
Doctor of Education
Department
Department of Curriculum and Instruction
First Advisor
Rheta DeVries
Date Original
2007
Object Description
1 PDF file (350 pages)
Copyright
©2007 Christina Ayres Sales
Language
en
File Format
application/pdf
Recommended Citation
Sales, Christina Eyres, "Geometric Reasoning in Four-Year-Old Children" (2007). Dissertations and Theses @ UNI. 1639.
https://scholarworks.uni.edu/etd/1639
Comments
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