Investigating Early Algebraic Thinking in Elementary School: A Survey From China

• In Event: Quantitative and Mixed-Method Studies in Mathematics Education

Abstract

The aim of this study is to better understand the early algebraic thinking of grade 3-5 students in China. This study adopted the theoretical framework of Kaput (2008) to design a test that involved generalized arithmetic, functional thinking, and modeling tasks then administer the test to 105 students of grade 3, 4 and 5. All of the responses were analyzed for both correctness and thinking styles using the coding scheme adapted from Blanton (2015). The results indicated that all students performed well in generalized arithmetic tasks related to the understanding of Equal Sign, Equivalence and Equations while the ability of generalization and symbolic representation are developed with the increasing of grade.

Author

• Siyu Sun, East China Normal University