This small project proved to be particularly interesting in terms of adding to our understanding of how children understand the Equal sign in mathematics.

 

The project set out to trial a microworld called Visual Fractions, now published by Logotron. In this microworld, children build connections between various representations of fractions.

 

The researchers set out to explore through this microworld children’s understanding of fraction. Unexpectedly, they observed how these tools offered Key Stage 3 children new ways of thinking about the Equal sign.