The study set out to explore different mathematical difficulties among 877 second-grade children and to test the effect of memorization versus conceptual practices with number combinations. It used a latent profile analysis of baseline measurements of digit writing speed, number combination fluency, multidigit calculation, and number sense skills…

We share results from a one-year early algebra classroom intervention. One kindergarten, one first-grade, and one second-grade classroom participated in the intervention and three classrooms of the same grade levels served as control sites. The intervention addressed the structure of even and odd numbers, mathematical equivalence and equations,…

A longitudinal study was conducted to identify unique sources of individual differences in later understanding of the equal sign as a relational symbol of equivalence (i.e., formal understanding of mathematical equivalence). The sample included 141 children from a mid-sized city in the Midwestern United States (M[subscript age] = 6 years, 2 months…

Numeracy is one of the essential competencies that the objectives of teaching math to primary students should be towards. However, many research findings show that the problem of "innumeracy" frequently exists at primary schools. That means children still do not feel at home in the world of numbers and operations. Therefore, the paper…

The authors share the results of a research project involving the use of mathematics to develop students' Numeracy General Capabilities. The current article delves into an example of a teacher supporting 'good habits of mind' through focussing on the Critical Learning Disposition of accuracy.

Metacognition is theorized to play a central role in children's mathematics learning. The primary goal of the current study was to provide experimental evidence in support of this role with elementary school students learning about mathematical equivalence. The final sample included 135 children (59 first graders and 76 second graders) who…

This article presents activities focused on developing some essential Year 1-3 fraction understandings (i.e., joining/composing, decomposing/ partitioning) while aligning these activities to the Australian Curriculum content strands and content descriptions. Additionally, the authors describe the materials/resources needed, the key vocabulary…

Learning mathematical concepts and procedures typically requires extended cognitive effort, presenting a challenge for many children. People can make tracing actions with the index finger, as well as mimic another's movements, with little or no conscious effort. From the perspective of cognitive load theory, such biologically primary actions may…

Introducing the distributivity property of multiplication over addition is a well-known challenge in mathematics education, especially in primary school. As a contribution, this paper presents the results of a cycle of design research that focuses on the design, implementation and evaluation of a modelling activity in which 2nd-grade students are…

Does the timing of children's formal understanding of mathematical equivalence matter for algebra readiness? A change-resistance account (McNeil & Alibali, 2005) predicts that it is beneficial for children to construct a formal understanding of mathematical equivalence in the early grades before overly narrow operational patterns become…

The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (2000) emphasizes the importance of communication in mathematics and mathematics education. Effective mathematical communication is essential in mathematics instruction, as it is a collaborative and social activity between teachers and students (Moschkovich, 2002; Khairunnisa et al., 2020). This…

A key aspect of young children's development of algebraic reasoning is the process of visualising and identifying structures to both abstract and generalise. There has been a growing body of research focused on how students form generalisations, this article adds to the existing body of research by examining how young culturally diverse students…

Measurement and statistical investigation are areas of mathematics visibly neglected in educational intervention research, particularly studies involving students with or at risk for mathematics difficulties (MD). This shortage is concerning given the importance these areas hold in students' pursuit of mathematical proficiency. This study…

Measurement and statistical investigation are areas of mathematics visibly neglected in educational intervention research, particularly studies involving students with or at risk for mathematics difficulties (MD). This shortage is concerning given the importance these areas hold in students' pursuit of mathematical proficiency. This study…

A vast majority of elementary students struggle with the core, pre-algebraic concept of mathematical equivalence. The Improving Children's Understanding of Equivalence (ICUE) intervention integrates four research-based strategies to improve outcomes for second grade students: (1) introducing the equal sign before arithmetic, (2) non-traditional…