The Semiotic Nature of Number Knowledge: Contributions to the Educational Field
Keywords:
number, quantity, semiotic systems, concrete materialsAbstract
In this article we argue that semiotic systems (gestural, linguistic, graphic signs) are not only different supporting tools of number but, as constitutive elements of our cognition, they act as nuclear organizers of number knowledge. First, we review the Piagetian and neonativist perspectives in order to reveal the subsidiary role that they give to semiotic components in the acquisition of number. Second, we identify and analyse the particularities and cognitive complexity of different kinds of number representations in order to, finally, provide a reflexion regarding the use of pictures and symbolic objects as concrete materials for mathematics teaching to young children.
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