Unfolding Algebraic Thinking from a Cognitive Perspective

Autor/inn/en	Chimoni, Maria; Pitta-Pantazi, Demetra; Christou, Constantinos
Titel	Unfolding Algebraic Thinking from a Cognitive Perspective
Quelle	In: Educational Studies in Mathematics, 114 (2023) 1, S.89-108 (20 Seiten)Infoseite zur Zeitschrift PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Zusatzinformation	ORCID (Chimoni, Maria)
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	0013-1954
DOI	10.1007/s10649-023-10218-z
Schlagwörter	Algebra; Mathematics Skills; Cognitive Processes; Cognitive Ability; Elementary School Students; Middle School Students; Mathematics Tests; Arithmetic; Spatial Ability; Logical Thinking + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Mathmatics achievement; Mathematics ability; Mathematische Kompetenz; Cognitive process; Kognitiver Prozess; Denkfähigkeit; Middle school; Middle schools; Student; Students; Mittelschule; Mittelstufenschule; Schüler; Schülerin; Addition; Arithmetik; Arithmetikunterricht; Rechnen; Räumliches Vorstellungsvermögen
Abstract	Little is known about the cognitive effort associated with algebraic activity in the elementary and middle school grades. However, this investigation is significant for sensitizing teachers and researchers to the mental demands of algebra learning. In this paper, we focus on the relationship between algebraic thinking and domain-general cognitive abilities. The sample of the study comprised 591 students from grades 4 to 7. The students' abilities in algebraic thinking were assessed through a test that involved three task categories: generalized arithmetic, functional thinking, and modelling languages. Test batteries were used to assess students' domain-general cognitive abilities in terms of analogical, serial, spatial, and deductive reasoning. The results of structural equation modelling analysis indicated that: (1) analogical reasoning predicts students' abilities only in generalized arithmetic; (2) serial reasoning predicts students' abilities only in generalized arithmetic; (3) spatial reasoning predicts students' abilities in functional thinking and modelling languages; and (4) deductive reasoning predicts students' abilities in all three categories. Differences between students across grades are also discussed. (As Provided).
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Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2024/1/01