Developing Algebraic Thinking at Primary Levels
YEO Kai Kow Joseph
National Institute of Education
Nanyang Technological University
Singapore
Published in The Mathematician Educator, 2024, Vol 5, No. 1, pp 52-62.
Abstract
Algebraic thinking encompasses representing, generalising, and formalising patterns and regularity in mathematics. This paper reviews definitions of algebraic thinking, discusses ways of developing algebraic thinking using generalisation and problem-solving approach. A generalising task and an algebraic word problem with solutions representations are highlighted to show how algebraic thinking could be developed at the primary levels.