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6 février 2019
- handle: 10670/1.4c9daw
- hal: hal-02415996
info:eu-repo/semantics/OpenAccess
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Early algebraic thinking generalized arithmetic functional thinking modeling languages path modelCiter ce document
Maria Chimoni et al., « Investigating early algebraic thinking abilities: a path model », HAL-SHS : sciences de l'éducation, ID : 10670/1.4c9daw
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The introduction of algebra in the elementary school mathematics is expected to navigate students from concrete, arithmetical thinking to increasingly complex, abstract algebraic thinking required in secondary school mathematics and beyond. Yet, empirical studies exploring this idea are relatively scarce. Drawing on a sample of 684 students from grades 4, 5, 6, and 7, this study explored a path model which tested associations between students' abilities in solving different types of early algebraic tasks: generalized arithmetic, functional thinking, and modeling languages. Results emerging from latent path analysis showed that students were more successful in generalized arithmetic tasks and only when this was achieved they were able to solve functional thinking tasks; once these were achieved, they could proceed to solve modeling languages tasks. Qualitative analysis of students' solutions provided further insight into these findings.