期刊名称：Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science & Technology Education
印刷版ISSN：1305-8223
电子版ISSN：1305-8223
出版年度：2011
卷号：07
期号：04
页码：263-279
出版社：Pamukkale Univ Dept Sci Education
摘要：In the Slovenian National Mathematics Curriculum the probability contents are first
mentioned in the ninth grade of elementary school (at the age of 14), yet they are
introduced informally, only in some first triad textbook sets. The researchers disagree as to
the age of children at which they are able to deal with certain probability contents. In view
of this fact our aim was to establish the age at which children are able to differentiate
among certain, possible and impossible events, and predict the likelihood of various
events. 623 pupils of the first three grades of elementary school participated in the study.
We presumed that they were able to differentiate among certain, possible and impossible
events, and compare the probability of various events, while only half of the children aged
4-5 years participating in the research were equally able. The major difference in their
abilities was noticed between the children aged from 4-5 years and the first graders, but
there were only slight gender differences. Children of all age groups encountered
difficulties at predicting events with equal probability. The first graders can be taught the
latter by applying the teaching approach, based on their concrete experience, and by
mastering the technique for solving tasks with equal probability. When comparing the
results with the opinions of the respondent teachers and pre-school teachers, it is evident
that they are under the misconception regarding the children's abilities to solve probability
tasks. The majority of the respondents stated that children were able to differentiate
among certain, possible and impossible events, and compare the probability of various
events not earlier than at the age of eight years; on the contrary, the findings of our
research established that children were able to achieve both goals much earlier.
关键词：Children, 5-8 Years, Probability, Probability Tasks, Equal Probability
