First-grade mathematics curriculum has been typically constructed to emphasize the development of whole number and operations. Topics addressed to a lesser extent include algebraic thinking, measurement, and geometry. In this research study, we suggest an alternative to this balance of topics. We compared prior research and learning expectations…

In this paper, we consider mathematical competitions for pre-university students, such as the "International Mathematical Olympiad" (IMO) and many national and regional Olympiads following a similar model. The problems proposed in these contests must be solvable by 'elementary' methods (i.e., without using calculus) and belong…

In this paper, we explore student solutions to a free response mathematical assessment task which had opportunities for students to notice structural properties in the context of number systems. In total, 308 students aged between 10 years to 13 years participated in the study. Their responses were analysed to determine whether they noticed…

The number and algebra strand of the "Australian Curriculum: Mathematics" (2015) advocates for holding together the study of number and algebra across years K-8--a position that mathematics educators have endorsed in many countries. This recommendation along with the report "Shape of the Australian Curriculum: Mathematics"…

In that current study, pattern conversion ability of 25 pre-service mathematics teachers (producing figural patterns following number patterns) was investigated. During the study participants were asked to generate figural patterns based on those number patterns. The results of the study indicate that many participants could generate different…

Some people recognize a palindrome when they see one, however fewer realize that a palindrome is a special case of a pattern and that these patterns are all around. Palindromes frequently occur in names, both of vehicles and people, and in music. The traditional mathematical curriculum has often left palindromes out of the common vernacular. Where…

Usually a student learns to solve a system of linear equations in two ways: "substitution" and "elimination." While the two methods will of course lead to the same answer they are considered different because the thinking process is different. In this paper the author solves a system in these two ways to demonstrate the…

These proceedings are a written record of the research presented at the 41st annual meeting of the North American Chapter of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education (PME-NA) held in St. Louis, Missouri, November 14-17, 2019. This year's conference theme is "...against a new horizon." The papers comprise 67…

This study tried to explore the degree of representation of math textbooks for grades (4-8) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia concerning the key concepts, shape, and levels of questions used in the TIMSS test. The study population of this study includes both students and teachers from fourth grade to eighth grade. The goal of this study was…

The international comparison of students' mathematics knowledge and competencies is an effective method of evaluating students' mathematics performance and developing policies to improve their achievements in mathematics. Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) are among the most well-recognized international comparisons that…

These proceedings are a written record of the research presented at the 44th annual meeting of the North American Chapter of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education (PME-NA) held in Nashville, Tennessee, and virtually. This year's conference theme is "Critical Dissonance and Resonant Harmony." The aim of this…

These Proceedings are a written record of the research presented at the 40th Annual Meeting of the North American Chapter of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education (PME-NA) held in Greenville, South Carolina, November 15-18, 2018. The theme of the conference is "Looking Back, Looking Ahead: Celebrating 40…

As an alternative to looking solely at linear functions, a three-lesson learning progression developed for Year 6 students that incorporates triangular numbers to develop children's algebraic thinking is described and evaluated.

In providing a continued focus on tasks and activities that help to illustrate key ideas embedded in the new Australian Curriculum, the focus in this issue is on Measurement in the Measurement and Geometry strand. The small unit of work on measurement presented in this article has activities that can be modified to meet the requirements of…

The theme of the 39th proceedings of the North American Chapter of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education (PME-NA) conference was "Synergy at the Crossroads: Future Directions for Theory, Research, and Practice." The metaphor of crossroads was inspired by the conference venue--the historic Indianapolis Union…