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Growth points in linking representations of function: a research-based framework

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Abstract

This paper describes five growth points in linking representations of function developed from a study of secondary school learners. Framed within the cognitivist perspective and process-object conception of function, the growth points were identified and described based on linear and quadratic function tasks learners can do and their strategies and approaches on these tasks. A cross-sectional study was then made to investigate for a typical trajectory of the growth points. The tasks were fielded to 444 Year 8, 9, and 10 students, first at the start of the school year and then 5 months later. The framework of growth points, and their resonance with similar research elsewhere, offer a research-based framework that can serve as an analytic tool for describing understanding, assessing learning and for pedagogy.

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Acknowledgment

This paper is based on the author’s dissertation under the supervision of Doug Clarke. Many thanks to Jill Adler for her input through the development and review process.

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Correspondence to Erlina Ronda.

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Ronda, E. Growth points in linking representations of function: a research-based framework. Educ Stud Math 90, 303–319 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10649-015-9631-1

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