A model on the cognitive and affective factors for the use of representations at the learning of decimals

Abstract

In a previous article of the same journal, we have discussed the interrelations of students' beliefs and self-efficacy beliefs for the use of representations and their respective cognitive performance on the learning of fraction addition. In the present paper, we confirm a similar structure of cognitive and affective factors on using representations for the concept of decimals and mainly we discuss the various interrelations among those factors. Data were collected from 1701 students in Grades 5-8 (11-14-years-old). Results revealed that multiple-representation flexibility, ability on solving problems with various modes of representation, beliefs about the use of representations and self-efficacy beliefs about using them constructed an integrated model with strong interrelations that has differences and similarities with the respective model concerning the concept of fractions.