Illusion of Linearity: From Analysis to Improvement

De Bock D., Verschaffel L.0387711643

Linear or proportional relationships are a major topic in mathematics education. However, recent research has shown that secondary school students have a strong tendency to apply the linear model in situations where it is not applicable. This overgeneralization of linearity is sometimes referred to as the “illusion of linearity” and has a strong negative impact on students’ reasoning and problem solving skills.The Illusion of Linearity: From Analysis to Improvement presents the reader with a comprehensive overview of the major findings of the recent research on the illusion of linearity. Although the empirical study of students’ improper linear reasoning clearly constitutes a new line of research, it owes a great deal to prior work in the mathematics education research community, such as the work of the scholars of the Freudenthal Institute on realistic mathematics education.Based on both quantitative and qualitative research, The Illusion of Linearity: From Analysis to Improvement discusses the following issues: (1) how the illusion of linearity appears in diverse domains of mathematics and science and how it is conceptually related to other more general misconceptions identified in the research literature, (2) what are the crucial psychological, mathematical, and educational factors responsible for the occurrence and persistence of the phenomenon, and (3) how the illusion of linearity can be remedied by appropriate instruction. The Illusion of Linearity: From Analysis to Improvement is essential to those working in mathematics education, particularly in teacher education and curriculum research and development.