The study employs the same methodology as seen in [2]
and [4]. Children aged 8 and 9 engage in a dyadic interaction
in their school with a tutor who guides them through a method
for prime number identification. The children’s learning is
measured through a pre-test and a post-test consisting of 12
numbers which need to be categorised as ‘prime’ or ‘not
prime’ (6 per category). Prior to the interaction, children have
not learnt about prime numbers, but the technique relies on
their ability to divide by 2, 3, 5 and 7, so this is also tested.
The tutor provides hints to help with the division, as well
as a lesson about how to identify prime numbers using the
Sieve of Eratosthenes technique. Two tests for prime number
identification are used in a cross-testing strategy to control for
exposure to the tests.