Metrication : its implementation in Newfoundland schools

Williams, George (1975) Metrication : its implementation in Newfoundland schools. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

[English] PDF (Migrated (PDF/A Conversion) from original format: (application/pdf)) - Accepted Version Available under License - The author retains copyright ownership and moral rights in this thesis. Neither the thesis nor substantial extracts from it may be printed or otherwise reproduced without the author's permission. Download (46MB) [English] PDF - Accepted Version Available under License - The author retains copyright ownership and moral rights in this thesis. Neither the thesis nor substantial extracts from it may be printed or otherwise reproduced without the author's permission. (Original Version)

Abstract

This internship report describes the implications of and a plan for implementation of the metric system into the Newfoundland School System. The report provides a detailed description of the history of the metric system, its evolvement in recent times as the predominant measurement system in the universe, and the recent developments which have provided the initial activity in the adoption of the metric system in Canada. -- The implications of the adoption of the metric system are discussed with a comprehensive review of the literature on the topic. Mathematics educators have recently become interested in this development since many of them feel that the change to the metric system of measurement in society will allow educators to 'clean house' and modify significantly the approach to the teaching of measurement. An approach to the development of the "think Metric" concept is presented, since the literature indicates that only through the teaching of the metric system as a distinct system and by relating various metric units to real world experiences can an appreciation for what each unit really is be developed. -- The main portion of the report describes the activities of the intern in the development and implementation process. The sequential plan which was developed and carried out is described in detail. Modifications and feedback received at various states are also noted in order to highlight the developmental nature of the study. An evaluation of the in-service education program for teachers and the objectives of the process are also included. The degree to which the program met the stated objectives regarding follow-up activities is also discussed. Since the process of implementation is an on-going affair it was not possible to give a final report nor to comment concerning the long term effectiveness or result of the implementation process. This more long-range procedure is outside the scope of this internship but is recommended as an excellent follow-up study. -- Many of the support materials which were utilized by the researcher in the program have been duplicated and are contained in the Appendices.

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