PME-NA

Characterizing Algebraic Lettering in Middle School Student Activity

• In Event: Characterizing Algebraic Lettering in Middle School Student Activity

Description

Students’ lettering, or generating of letters (such as x or y) in an algebraic context, is a crucial component of their algebraic literacy, or learning to meaningfully read and write with algebra. In this report, I examine the features that middle school algebra students’ lettering can develop over time within their algebraic activity. I present a multiple case study of three U.S. eighth-grade students’ lettering during task-based interviews before and after their experiences of a unit of instruction related to linear equations in their algebra classroom. My findings highlight three features: that lettering became Representationally Connective, Strategically Connective, and Process-Oriented within their problem-solving. I discuss the implications of these features and continued research around the construct of lettering in designing initiatives toward every student’s algebra literacy and advancing algebra education research.

Author

• Allison L. Gantt, The College of New Jersey