Exploring the Prevalence of Covariational Reasoning Across Mathematics and Science Using TIMSS 2011 Assessment Items
Date
2023-02-01
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education
Abstract
Covariational reasoning (or the coordination of two dynamically changing quantities) is central to secondary STEM subjects, but research has yet to fully explore its applicability to elementary and middle-grade levels within various STEM fields. To address this need, we selected a globally referenced STEM assessment—the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS)—to investigate the extent to which covariational reasoning could be applied. Specifically, we identified the frequency of items with potential to elicit students’ covariational reasoning through a content analysis of publicly released TIMSS 2011 items in Grades 4 and 8 mathematics and science. We found that approximately one-third of items in all grades and subjects had potential for covariational reasoning, and many of these items had such potential with no viable alternative strategy. Furthermore, items in every content strand and cognitive domain had potential for covariational reasoning. We interpret these findings as indicative of the salience of covariational reasoning across STEM education, and we discuss the implications of these results for research, assessment, and instruction.
Description
This version of the article has been accepted for publication in International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education, after peer review (when applicable) and is subject to Springer Nature’s AM terms of use, but is not the Version of Record and does not reflect post-acceptance improvements, or any corrections. The Version of Record is available online at: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10763-023-10353-2. © National Science and Technology Council, Taiwan 2023. This article will be embargoed until 02/01/2024.
Keywords
covariational reasoning, mathematics, science, TIMSS
Citation
Gantt, A.L., Paoletti, T. & Corven, J. Exploring the Prevalence of Covariational Reasoning Across Mathematics and Science Using TIMSS 2011 Assessment Items. Int J of Sci and Math Educ (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10763-023-10353-2