Page 64 - EDUCON 2022 Book of Abstracts

1. Albin, S., Analysing conceptual understanding of representing
numbers of Grade 3 Mathematics learners in four Namibian home
languages
Background: The use of home language for instruction in junior
primary schools in Namibia is vital to make the learners understand
how to represent numbers. According to the junior primary
Mathematics school syllabus, the learning objective of the topic of
representing numbers, states that Grades 3 learners should be able to
recognize, read and write numbers.
Aim: The objective of this study was to analyse the conceptual
understanding of representing numbers of Grade 3 learners in four
Namibian home languages.
Methodology: A qualitative research design, using the case study
method was used for the methodology and research design. A sample
of twelve Grade 3 learners learning mathematics in English,
Afrikaans, Oshindonga, and Khoekhoegowab from two primary
schools in the !Karas Region were purposively selected.
Results: The findings revealed insufficient grade-appropriate learners’
activities, lack of feedback in the workbooks on reading and writing
number names with inexplicit or without instructions to promote
perceptual understanding of numbers rather than conceptual
understanding of representing numbers.
Recommendations: The study recommends that grade 3 English and
Afrikaans learners be taught in both standard language and base-ten
language to enhance their conceptual understanding of representing
numbers.
Conclusion: Number concept is a language of its own and teachers
must make extra effort to teach and lead learners toward mastery of
number concept.
Keywords: number concept, conceptual understanding, mathematics,
home language

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