In this paper I present a theoretical analysis (genetic decomposition) of the cognitive constructions for the concept of infinite Riemann sums following Piaget\'s model of epistemology. This genetic decomposition is primarily based on my own mathematical knowledge as well as on my continual observations of students in the process of learning. Based on this analysis I plan to suggest instructional procedures that motivate the mental activities described in the proposed genetic decomposition. In a later study, I plan to present empirical data in the form of informal interviews with students at different stages of learning. The analysis of those interviews may suggest a review of my initial genetic decomposition.

In this paper I present a theoretical analysis (genetic decomposition) of the cognitive constructions for the concept of infinite Riemann sums following Piaget\''s model of epistemology. This genetic decomposition is primarily based on my own mathematical knowledge as well as on my continual observations of students in the process of learning. Based on this analysis I plan to suggest instructional procedures that motivate the mental activities described in the proposed genetic decomposition. In a later study, I plan to present empirical data in the form of informal interviews with students at different stages of learning. The analysis of those interviews may suggest a review of my initial genetic decomposition.

The aim of this study was to explore the effects of a problem-solving heuristic instructional method on Grade 6 learners’ achievements in algebra. Two main theories inspired the design of this teaching method, namely the modelling and modelling perspective, and action, process, object, schema (APOS) theory. Modelling and modelling perspectives guided the development of modelling-eliciting activities used in the teaching method and the APOS theory guided the sequence of activities used to develop Grade 6 learners’ conceptions in algebra. The impact of the problem-solving heuristic instructional method was investigated with 198 Grade 6 learners from four different primary schools in the Zululand district of Kwazulu-Natal that were conveniently sampled. A mixed-method approach was used in this study and a hypothesis was formulated to investigate the effects of the teaching method on the learners’ achievements in algebra. The qualitative component consisted of a pre-intervention class observation of mathematics lessons of all four mathematics educators in the schools used for this study. The design and implementation of the problem-solving heuristic instructional method and the quantitative component employed non-equivalent control group design with pre-test and post-test measure. The main instruments for data collection were an observation schedule to document sequence of events in the classroom during the class observation, a standardized achievement test in algebra used to measure effects of the problem-solving heuristic instructional method and modelling-eliciting activities used as a medium of interaction between learners and the researcher during the implementation of the problem-solving heuristic instructional method. Findings from the class observation indicated all four schools made use of comparable traditional methods of instruction. The implementation of the problem-solving instructional method gave insights into how a problem-solving heuristic instructional method can be developed and used in Grade 6 algebra lessons, and the factors that could influence learners’ conceptual development in algebra. The findings from the quantitative component supported the initial hypothesis that improved scores in algebra are achieved through participation in the problem-solving heuristic instructional method. Quantitative data was analysed using the t-test, analysis of covariance, Johnson-Neyman (J-N) technique and the effect size. / Mathematics Education / D. Phil. (Mathematics Education)