PERC 2019 Abstract Detail Page
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| Abstract Title: | The Ratio Table: Making Meaning with Ratios and Units Involving “Per” |
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| Abstract: | Arnold Arons described an inadequate understanding of ratios as "one of the most serious impediments to the study of science" (Arons, 1983). Yet, ample maths and physics education research demonstrates that STEM university students struggle with ratios. This study investigates a simple technique for both (a) working algebraically with ratios, and (b) making physical sense of units involving "per". For example, students are familiar with the notion of "meters per second", but many do not attribute meaning to the notion of "seconds per meter". This pre/post test study is based on a questionnaire developed by Kanim, Brahmia and Boudreaux (2015). The results show that more than half of the 400 students in the study struggle with ratios, and demonstrate significant gains after a relatively small intervention involving the Ratio Table. |
| Abstract Type: | Contributed Poster Presentation |
| Session Time: | Poster Session II |
| Poster Number: | B48 |
| Contributed Paper Record: | Contributed Paper Information |
| Contributed Paper Download: | Download Contributed Paper |
Author/Organizer Information | |
| Primary Contact: |
Dr. Philip Southey Stellenbosch University Physics Department Merensky Building Stellenbosch, Non U.S. 7600 Phone: 0732495757 |
Contributed Poster | |
| Contributed Poster: | Download the Contributed Poster |
