Item – Theses Canada

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OCLC number
46562434
Link(s) to full text
LAC copy
LAC copy
Author
Bateman, Mark,1963-
Title
The mathematics learning experiences of four immigrant students.
Degree
M. Ed. -- University of Western Ontario, 1997
Publisher
Ottawa : National Library of Canada = Bibliothèque nationale du Canada, [1998]
Description
2 microfiches.
Notes
Includes bibliographical references.
Abstract
This study was designed to explore the mathematics learning experiences of immigrants students to Canada. A thorough review of the related literature suggested that this exploration be guided by three categories: language, culture, and cognition. To facilitate the exploration, grade 9 was chosen as the grade level and algebra as generalised arithmetic was chosen as the mathematics topic. Four research subjects were recruited, all of whom had been born and partially educated in some country other than Canada. Each research subject went through two interviews. The first interview involved a series of questions based on the reviewed literature. The second interview specifically looked at algebra as generalised arithmetic, with the assistance of the Chelsea Diagnostic Mathematics Test for algebra. The data from the interviews were then unitized to allow for analysis. The analysis challenged the view created from the literature that immigrant students' cultures, language and cognitive structures will affect their mathematics learning experiences. Factors such as a common mathematics curriculum 'culture' and social stability may be equally important. Mathematics teachers working with immigrant students should therefore be somewhat cautious when applying views expressed in the ethnocultural literature to their classes.
ISBN
0612210588
9780612210585