The fundamental concept of measure in elementary mathematics textbooks

Abstract

In this article we present the work in progress at a PhD degree in Estudos da Criança, Área de Conhecimento de Matemática Elementar, Universidade do Minho (Portugal). The focus on this paper is the analysis of the fundamental concept of “measure” as seen in Portuguese textbooks directed to the first six years of schooling. The concept of “measure” plays an important role in the construction of mathematical knowledge, in particular at the elementary stages of education. Our main aims are: (1) to define a set of criteria based on both scientific and methodological aspects (related to the concept of measurement) to be applied on the analysis of mathematics textbooks; (2) to identify criteria for developing didactical material for coherently teaching the concept of measure during the first six years of schooling; (3) to apply our results to programs for both initial training for teachers and “recycling” teaching careers.