Abstract

STEPHENS, Max  and  RIBEIRO, Alessandro. Working towards algebra: the importance of relational thinking. Relime [online]. 2012, vol.15, n.3, pp.373-402. ISSN 2007-6819.

Algebra has become a building block for success in mathematics. Our argument in this paper is that, in order to allow students to properly develop their understanding of algebra, solid foundations need to be laid during elementary and junior secondary school years through experiences with number operations and the key ideas of equivalence and compensation. These foundations are broadly described by the term relational thinking. In this exploratory study of the mathematical thinking of a selection of Year 7 and Year 8 students in Brazil, we found that when students were asked to solve numerical expressions using four arithmetic operations, most students opted for computational methods. However, when required to show relational thinking, most students did so, but clearly needed further support in this respect.

Keywords : Algebraic thinking; Relational thinking.

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