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Experimental comparison of alternative map scales at an urban middle school
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to identify the most effective map scale to use in on initial math/map scale lesson to be taught in math class at the middle school level. Consideration was made to ensure that the scale lesson would be developmentally valid and consistent with regard to both the mathematics and social studies curriculums. The study was conducted at an urban middle school in selected grade 7 classes during June, 1988. The method of conducting the study reflected throughout the mathematical perspective on the scale issue. Four alternative map scales were compared and an additional fifth scale was examined for transfer value. I was hypothesized that the target scale, 1" = 400 miles, exactly divisible by 8 and 16, would lead to greater student success at the required task: finding distance between specified pairs of cities on a map of South America. The scale study, while examined from a mathematics perspective, was positioned within the broader context of global education. The math/map scale lesson was examined with regard to the discipline of geography within the social studies department. This map approach to teaching mathematical scale moved a math class problem from abstract to real. Gains were mathematical and geographical. There were gains in three areas: (1) mathematics, (2) geography, and (3) relating mathematics and geography. Major gains in completion of the task required as measured by points assigned for correct responses occurred overall for the four alternative map/scale classes. Although the methodology isolated scale and results showed progression for all groups with a slightly larger average point gain for students using one particular scale, that of the target map, there was not enough difference in progression between groups for the results to be within an acceptable level of significance. Perception/Reality Analysis of students' perceived and actual abilities to complete the designated task of finding map distance using a specified scale indicated the presence of ability and interest on the part of students for learning math/map scale skills.
Subject Area
Mathematics education|Curriculum development|Social studies education
Recommended Citation
Jarest, Hind, "Experimental comparison of alternative map scales at an urban middle school" (1991). Doctoral Dissertations Available from Proquest. AAI9120895.
https://scholarworks.umass.edu/dissertations/AAI9120895