Publication Details
Day, L. (2015). From arrays to algebra. aamt2015: mathematics: learn, lead, link. The 25th Biennial Conference of the Australian Association of Mathematics Teachers Inc..
Abstract
By identifying the learning experiences that need to be developed in the primary school, and how secondary teachers can build on these experiences, ensures solid algebraic understanding and a smooth transition between primary and secondary mathematics. Using concrete materials, within a concrete-representational-abstract pedagogical approach, may be seen as one among many methods that contribute to the overall process of developing algebraic skills. Linking an area-based model to previous understandings involving numbers should assist the conceptual understanding of algebraic expansion and factorisation to ensure that students are not just fluent in algebraic manipulation but also understand how the processes work.
Keywords
mathematics, teaching methods, transition, primary, secondary