Susanna Oksanen: Visual elements in Finnish mathematics textbooks – changes between 1994 and 2004

Aika: To 31.10. 14.55-15.20

Paikka: F103 Futura

Esittäjän affiliaatio: Helsingin yliopisto

Muut tekijät: Markku Hannula, Helsingin yliopisto; Anu Laine, Helsingin yliopisto

Abstrakti:

This study is part of the national MOPPI joint research project in Finland, where mathematics educators from the universities of Turku, Helsinki, and Jyväskylä examine Finnish mathematics textbooks. This presentation focuses on the role of visual elements in Finnish mathematics middle school textbooks and changes in them between 1994 and 2004. Non-verbal elements, such as photographs, illustrations, geometric shapes and graphs can motivate students and help them to understand, remember or recall different concepts. These elements are important especially when it is difficult to represent the learning content verbally. In this study we categorized the visual elements into four different categories based on their role. This presentation aims to present the diversity and changes in visual representations in mathematics textbooks offering insights into how non-verbal elements may affect students’ engagement and comprehension. Understanding these changes offers valuable insights into the broader role of non-verbal elements in supporting mathematics learning.