Teaching Number Sense in Second Grade Using Constructivism or Procedural Philosophy of Mathematics

Abstract

Mathematical education is a major component of the curriculum in elementary school, which allows children to develop calculating, estimating, and other necessary skills needed to develop into productive adults. This study explored how children discover mathematical concepts in the primary grades using two different philosophies of mathematical education. The constructivism and procedural philosophies were researched and tested in two-second grade classrooms containing 14 students. The study discusses the implications for further research with mathematics and hands-on activities.