Procedural knowledge in mathematics: the role of the curriculum

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Science
• Educational Psychology

Background:

• The information processing model of cognition is increasingly influential.
• Cognitive science highlights the importance of instruction in learning theory.
• Learners progress from declarative to procedural knowledge as competence grows.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine principles of effective curriculum development.
• To improve the efficiency of knowledge transition in learners.
• To address systematic misconceptions during learning.

Main Methods:

• Focus on three curriculum development principles: nature of examples, explicitness, and parsimony.
• Discussion of recent research supporting these principles.
• Application to curriculum material for students with learning disabilities.

Main Results:

• A carefully developed curriculum can enhance the transition from declarative to procedural knowledge.
• Specific principles guide effective curriculum design.
• Research supports the efficacy of these principles.

Conclusions:

• Special educators should consider these curriculum development principles.
• Effective curriculum design is crucial for students with learning disabilities.
• Optimizing learning through informed curriculum choices is key.