Journal of the Mathematics Council of the Alberta Teachers’ Association
Volume 46 Issue 2, June 2009
8 – 12
Mathematical Misconceptions Diagnosis and Treatment
Regina Panasuk
A misconception, or incorrect conception, is generally a false idea. Students’ misconceptions, a fundamental lack of understanding different from careless inaccuracy, are the natural result of efforts to construct new knowledge and can be viewed as an intellectual structure built on correct or incorrect previous knowledge. Although misconceptions are illogical, they make a lot of sense from students’ perspectives. Students’ mistakes are rational and meaningful efforts to learn mathematics (Ginsburg, 1977).
