Use a bilingual WebQuest with authentic materials on measurement to develop ideas of new length units and conversion ways¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · 3 claims (3 for) · 1 study (1 theoretical), q2 · 0 of 1 report an effect size · 3 claims rest on one study

Description¶

The article's implementable approach: because metric length units were already known, the PrimarWebQuest aimed to familiarise students with the US standard system and develop ways of converting in and between both systems. The author states that "Because of the authentic materials, students are expected to develop ideas of the new units of length as well as appropriate representatives". Implementation used an English- and a German-speaking teacher in a bilingual fourth grade.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Students already know the metric units of length
• an English- and a German-speaking teacher
• authentic materials and measuring tools offering both systems

Constraints¶

• Implemented with two small groups of one fourth grade at a bilingual school in Germany; expectations, not yet tested results

Target Learners¶

• fourth-grade students in bilingual primary schools learning English since grade 1

Target Learning Goals¶

• familiarity with US standard length units
• conversion within and between measurement systems
• deepened understanding of the metric system

Claims¶

• Bilingual mathematics classes may support acquisition of mathematical knowledge by building technical terms in two language structures [+W]
• A bilingual PrimarWebQuest on lengths is being investigated for its contribution to mathematical and linguistic learning at primary level [+W]
• Comparing the US standard and metric measurement systems can deepen understanding of the metric system and support intercultural learning in bilingual classes [+M]

Related Strategies¶

• Sentence Frames And Starters
• Connecting Math to ESOL

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• Baschek, E. (2022). Using the US standard system for measurement in Germany – Bilingual education in primary school. https://math-primwq-bilingual.sd.uni-frankfurt.de/length-laengen/introduction-einleitung/