In early years' (primary grade) classrooms in Australia repeated patterns are commonly explored as an early introductory activity to mathematics. Most young students have an extensive knowledge of and exhibit success in copying, continuing, creating and transferring patterns into other media. By contrast, research indicates one of the most…

When students confront arithmetic or algebraic word problems, they develop ideas and notations during the processes of solving them by using various arithmetic strategies. Those ideas and notations are the basis for solving that type of problems. Is it possible to aid the development of students' algebraic thinking during their transition from…

This book is designed to help teachers understand children's intuitive problem solving and computational processes and to figure out how to use that knowledge to enhance students' understanding of arithmetic. This book provides numerous examples of classroom dialogues that indicate how algebraic ideas emerge in children's thinking and what…

Symbols occupy a pivotal position between processes to be carried out and concepts to be thought about. They allow us both to do mathematical problems and to think about mathematical relationships. In this presentation, the discontinuities that occur in the learning path taken by different students, leading to a divergence between conceptual and…

There were 120 pupils in years 1 to 5 from two schools which were interviewed using specially prepared tasks to study the variety of interpretations given to letters by adolescents. Results indicate that two distinct conceptual understandings of the role played by a letter in relation to geometrical data exist in pupil's thinking. (Author/TG)

The purposes of this paper are to present research related to the development of new instructional games (named Survivor's Games), and measure the effectiveness of these games to help students (K-5) master basic fact operations (single-digit additions or factor and single- or double digit sums or products), stimulate the exploration of…

Illustrates a modeling approach used by Singapore educators to teach mathematical skills and concepts in a problem-solving environment. (Contains 11 references.) (YDS)

This volume was prepared by the School Mathematics Study Group (SMSG) to help elementary teachers develop a sufficient subject matter competence in the mathematics of the elementary school program. Background material for related SMSG materials for grades four through eight are included. Chapters in the book are: (1) What is Mathematics; (2)…

"In Brief" focuses on K-12 mathematics and science research and implications for policymakers, educators, and researchers seeking to improve student learning and achievement This brief highlights the learning gains of 240 elementary students involved in a long-term study in Madison, Wisconsin and their remarkable ability to reason with arithmetic…

This booklet is a catalog of error patterns found in basic arithmetic and algebra courses. It is intended to be used as a resource by instructors and tutors teaching these concepts. The material is divided into major concept headings with subheadings. The error patterns are named and given a brief general description followed by a specific example…

Research shows that introducing basic forms of algebraic reasoning in elementary school enhances children's learning of arithmetic. In this guide, a research and a professional development project are described that have taken a practical approach to introducing algebraic reasoning to elementary students in Massachusetts. (Author/SOE)

The fundamentals of algebra and algebraic thinking should be a part of the background of all citizens in society. The vast increase in the use of technology requires that school mathematics ensure the teaching of algebraic thinking as well as its use at both the elementary and secondary school levels. Algebra is a universal theme that runs through…

Proposed is a gradual transition from arithmetic to the idea of an equation with variables in the elementary grades. Vertical and horizontal formats of open sentences, the instructional sequence, vocabulary, and levels of understanding are discussed in this article. (KR)

This collection of activities demonstrates how the study of elementary mathematics can be extended beyond the school and involve teachers and students in investigative, problem-based experiences. The activities include topics in geometry, concept of number, algebra, measurement, graphing, statistics, and probability, and are organized into five…

Knowledge about the structure of arithmetic expressions enables people to reason effectively about such expressions, including an ability to judge equivalence under transformations. This paper reports an empirical study of six middle-school children who judged the equivalence of three sets of three-term arithmetic expressions with an addition and…