The Effects of a Mental Mathematics Intervention on Seventh Graders' Relational Thinking

• In Event: Poster Session 1
  In Poster Session: Research in Mathematics Teaching and Learning

Abstract

The algebraic reasoning of 66 seventh-graders was examined before and after an instructional intervention that focused on mental computation. A multiple baseline design was used with three seventh-grade classes. Students were assessed at five time points on (a) mathematical equivalence problem solving, (b) relational thinking in the context of true/false number sentences, and (c) mental computation. Students in one class improved on equivalence problem solving after the intervention. Students in all three classes improved their relational thinking skills, and performance paralleled observed gains in mental computation. Performance levels were maintained for up to 12 weeks. The link between mental mathematics and relational thinking implies that mental computation should play a more prominent role in the seventh-grade mathematics classroom.

Authors

• Alexandra N. Kindrat, Concordia University - Montreal

• Helena P. Osana, Concordia University