Algebrization levels of school mathematics activity. Implication for primary school teacher education

Abstract

Developing elementary algebraic thinking since the earliest levels of education is a goal proposed in different research works and curricular guidelines. Consequently, primary school teachers should know the characteristics of algebraic reasoning and be able to select and develop appropriate mathematical tasks that serve to gradually introduce algebraic reasoning in primary school. In this paper we present a model that distinguish three levels of elementary algebraic thinking and is useful in analyzing the algebraic features in solving mathematical tasks. We describe this model with examples of mathematical activities, classified according to the different levels of algebraization. These activities can be used in the education of teachers to prepare them to develop their students’ algebraic sense.