The part-whole model offers a helpful introduction to fractions. It is also useful for exploring equivalent fractions and the addition and subtraction of fractions, but there are some potential pitfalls.
The part-whole construct of fractions, when modelled with area diagrams, provides a useful tool for developing an initial understanding of fractions. Watch the video The Part-Whole Meaning for Fractions.
You can download the Part-Whole Meaning for Fractions video transcript.
However, care must be taken in teaching to ensure students fully understand the concepts involved. Otherwise, a range of misconceptions commonly arise, such as:
Good teaching of the part-whole area model includes:
- developing visualisation skills to build a sense of the relative sizes of commonly used fractions
- using grids and arrays when exploring equivalence in order to promote multiplicative thinking (factors and multiples) rather than only additive thinking.
