Literature Review on Fractions for Primary Years

Literature Review on Fractions for Primary Years

A literature review of current research on a topic related to the teaching of primary mathematics. A discussion of evidence-based numeracy teaching and learning pedagogies.

Background

A literature review is an examination of the research that has been conducted in a particular field of study. It involves a selection of available research and effective evaluation of these. Your literature review should be motivated by a question you want to answer relating to your future teaching of primary mathematics. Start by posing a question to explore through interrogating the literature (e.g., research literature, papers written for teachers and/or by teachers) to help you discover more about your chosen topic.

You should refer to current research and professional literature, Australian and International - i.e., recent articles from peer-reviewed journals, conference papers, or scholarly book chapters. Include 8 to 14 references in your final literature review - see rubric for the minimum number of references required for each grade level.

Resources for writing a literature review are located on our Cloud Deakin site.

Assessment 2 preparation

Your literature review will focus on one of the following content areas of primary school mathematics: Measurement, Geometry, Statistics, Probability, Algebraic thinking or Rational Number (e.g., fractions, decimals, percentage, ratio, proportional reasoning) (Please note: Number is not to be addressed, as this was the focus of Assignment 1.)

When examining the literature consider: the key understandings that students need to develop, the common misconceptions that students may develop, evidence-based numeracy teaching and learning pedagogies.

Assessment task outline

Your literature review should include the following:

1. A title and a statement of the question you are researching
2. An introduction to the literature review outlining the structure and signposting the themes or issues addressed.
3. A critical discussion arranged around themes or issues that includes a synthesis of what you have found out from your research and analysis of your selected literature. When addressing the key understandings and misconceptions the literature should be compared and contrasted. Consider what is discussed by different authors: is the advice similar, what are the differing opinions? Your discussion should display knowledge of the literature associated with your question through the breadth, quality and relevance of the literature reviewed. (Please note: It is not a list articles with brief summaries of their findings.)
4. A discussion of the conclusions drawn from the review including gaps and limitations within the research. (Consider what questions have been raised and/or what issues require further research. What are the perceived gaps in research?)
5. A discussion of evidence-based numeracy teaching and learning pedagogies such as appropriate models and representations, concrete/digital materials, and fostering collaboration and discussion to support children’s learning.