Use of the Theory of Fischbein and the Theory of Shulman for the Study of Teachers’ Algorithmic Knowledge Concerning the Concept of the Altitude of a Triangle

Use of the Theory of Fischbein and the Theory of Shulman for the Study of Teachers’ Algorithmic Knowledge Concerning the Concept of the Altitude of a Triangle

In this study I have used a theoretical framework integrating the theory of Fischbein and the theory of Shulman for examining the algorithmic knowledge of teachers. This framework has shaped the approach to both the formal and algorithmic aspects of knowledge, with reference to several components included in mathematical knowledge as well as pedagogical content knowledge. In this study I have found that all teachers draw the altitudes of triangles as required. In addition, I have found that most errors described by teachers have indeed been observed among students and that almost all errors observed among students were described by the teachers. Teachers are aware of the fact that concept imaging is a major cause of error but are not familiar with the term “concept image”.

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