Using Specialized Content Knowledge to generate strategies and representations
In small groups, the teachers worked through the proposed series of folds. During this
sequence, Kathy and Fatima were in the same small group. On multiple occasions, Fatima
used her Specialized Content Knowledge to introduce new ideas and explain the mathematical
issues inherent in the task whenever the group had difficulties. For instance when
the group was puzzled as to how to create seven equal-sized parts on a square, Fatima
thought for a moment and then said, “Oh! You can make, uhm, parallel folds!” As the
group explored how to “eyeball” to ensure this strategy created equal-sized parts, Fatima
developed a strategy of using a half that became useful for her in making odd numbers of
equal-sized parts. Later in the formalization, Fatima shared her strategy for folding a
square to create seven equal-sized pieces: