The transition across the cognitive gap - the case for long division - : Cognitive architecture for division : base ten decomposition as an algorithm for long division

Abstract

This is an action research study which focuses on a didactical model founded on base ten decomposition as an algorithm for performing division on naturals. Base ten decomposition is used to enhance the algebraic structure of division on naturals in an attempt to cross the cognitive divide that currently exists between arithmetic long division on naturals and algebraic long division on polynomials. The didactical model that is proposed and implemented comprises three different phases and was implemented over five one hour lessons. Learners’ work and responses which were monitored over a fiveday period is discussed in this report. The structure of the arithmetic long division on naturals formed the conceptual basis from which shorter methods of algebraic long division on polynomials were introduced. These methods were discussed in class and reported on in this study.