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WHAT DO YOUNG CHILDREN KNOW ABOUT LINEAR MEASUREMENT AND IS IT RELATED TO CONSERVATION?

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WHAT DO YOUNG CHILDREN KNOW ABOUT LINEAR MEASUREMENT AND IS IT RELATED TO CONSERVATION?

Author: Annette Willis

Publication Year: 1992

Abstract

For the past twenty years Piagetian theory has dominated mathematics and science
curricula. In primary schools, teaching - learning sequences and activities in mathematics
have tradition,ally been built around the ages and stages promulgated by Piaget as being
appropriate to the particular performance level of cognition a child might have attained.
Conservation - according to Piaget, is the precondition for all measurement. Consequently,
exposure to 'real' measurement has usually been delayed until Years 2 or 3 in primary
schools. Recent research indicates that children have quite well developed notions about
measurement prior to their ability to conserve. This paper examines procedures that were
dev.eloped to successfully test the ability of young children to measure length. Findings
from a study carried out be,tween 1985 and 1987 indicate tha/the ability to conserve is
linked to the ability to measure, the knowledge of particular dimensional adjectives and
experience with concrete material. The new NSW K - 6 Curriculum in Mathematics,
released in 1989. reflects the findings of this research and has changed the theoretical basis
of the teaching -Â·learning sequences in the curriculum.

Type: Research Paper

ANNETTE WILLIS
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