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Fractions are initially introduced to young people at key stage 1; this includes children
from ages five to seven years. During this stage pupils are enforced to be able to
identify and name as one of two equal parts, 1/3 as one of three and as one of
four equal parts. They are also expected to be able to distinguish, find, name and write
simple fractions such as , , 2/4, of a length, shape, set of objects or quantity. As
well as that they should develop the ability to write simple fractions of a quantity,
identify which one is greater or smaller and the equivalence of simple fractions. By
the end of key stage 2, pupils of ages 8-11 years are expected to be able to compare,
order fractions as well as solving worded problems. Additionally they are expected to
convert improper fractions to mixed number fractions and vice versa. Moreover, they
are required to solve addition/subtraction of proper, improper and mixed fractions that
have equal or different denominators. Writing patterns of equivalent fractions reduce
factions to lowest terms and finding a fraction of a quantity is also taught during key
stage 2. Furthermore, multiplication and division of simple pairs of proper fractions,
reducing a fraction in its simplest form as well as recognize equivalences between
simple fractions, decimals and percentages. Key stage 3 is the core stage as young
people should have developed all the skills and knowledge that are necessary within
fractions. During this period teachers are ought to teach ordering complex fractions,
multiplying/dividing complex fractions of different forms and writing one number as
a fraction of another. Additionally, converting fractions to decimals/percentages,
relating ratios with fractions and determining the number of times a number can be
divided by another should also be taught at this phase. During key stage 4, pupils of
ages 13-16 years are expected to use the application of fractions in other core topic of
mathematics namely in handling data, algebraic expression, etc.
The national curriculum is designed as such that it allows the knowledge of young
people to grow and widen gradually yet effectively. However research shows that
many children find fractions challenging and remain struggling to understand the
major concepts of fractions at secondary school. This may be due to lack of effective
teaching. It is reasonable that every child learns differently never the less they have
enough similarities for teachers to find a teaching method that is suitable for all of
them to learn effectively. One of the effective procedures of teaching is using a variety
of methods such as providing practical activities or possibly a quiz. This keeps
maintains both the interest and focus of young people, which is vital as children tend
to lose interest easily due to having a short duration of concentration. Fractions should
be taught by doing concrete examples by using objects that are familiar to the children
i.e. pizza. Once the student feels confident then drawing pictures would be another
interactive method. This helps young people to visualize and improve their
understanding of key concepts such as equivalent fractions. Getting young people
involved by playing interactive games helps motivate them to learn. The Teaching and
Learning Research Programme shows children learn faster by using technology. In
addition, providing multiple examples helps to build up their understanding. Teaching
at a steady pace is another important aspect of teaching, as its crucial to give young
people time to think and take sufficient notes. A further effective teaching method is
that teachers should not introduce new concepts, until young people having good
understand of the fundamentals.
Fractions are crucial in mathematics as they are used in other topics across the
discipline, including probability, percentages, decimals, vectors, handling data,
algebraic equations and many more. Other than Mathematics, fractions are used in
many cross curricular subjects. In Music, fractions are used to show the beat length of
notes. Similarly different measures of beat can be formed by using notes that have
fraction values which would sum up to the value of the measure. Likewise in
Physical Education, fractions are used in different forms in sports. They are used to
record scores or time games. An example of this is football; its played in two fortyfive minute halves. In Food Technology, many food recipes are not a whole
measurement, they are a fraction. Therefore individuals should have the skills to
multiply and divide fractions if they want to cook for more or less people. Moreover
in science subjects such as Physics- Fractions used in Radioactive decay and half-life
fractions are used to calculate amount of time required for a quantity to fall to half its
value. In Chemistry, fractions are used to balance chemical equations.
Fractions should be taught by doing concrete examples of objects thats familiar to the
children i.e. pizza. Once the student feels comfortable then drawing pictures would be
another option. This helps the students visualize which will assist them in
understanding the concepts. Let them play games. If the student doesnt understand
the basic foundation of fractions they will struggle even in simple task such as adding
fractions. Fraction are important as we use them not only in Mathematics but in other
core subjects an in our every day life.
http://arb.nzcer.org.nz/supportmaterials/maths/concept_map_fractions.php
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http://cuip.uchicago.edu/~jwoods/wit/faddex2.htm copy