ERIC Number: EJ764987
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2005-Nov
Pages: 35
Abstractor: Author
Reference Count: 25
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0021-8251
Characterizing a Classroom Practice that Promotes Algebraic Reasoning
Blanton, Maria L.; Kaput, James J.
Journal for Research in Mathematics Education, v36 n5 p412-446 Nov 2005
We present here results of a case study examining the classroom practice of one thirdgrade teacher as she participated in a long-term professional development project led by the authors. Our goal was to explore in what ways and to what extent the teacher was able to build a classroom that supported the development of students' algebraic reasoning skills. We analyzed 1 year of her classroom instruction to determine the robustness with which she integrated algebraic reasoning into the regular course of daily instruction and its subsequent impact on students' ability to reason algebraically. We took the "diversity" of types of algebraic reasoning, their "frequency" and "form" of integration, and "techniques of instructional practice" that supported students' algebraic reasoning as a measure of the robustness of her capacity to build algebraic reasoning. Results indicate that the teacher was able to integrate algebraic reasoning into instruction in planned and spontaneous ways that led to positive shifts in students' algebraic reasoning skills. (Contains 1 table and 6 figures.)
Descriptors: Teaching Methods, Algebra, Classroom Techniques, Mathematical Logic, Grade 3, Elementary School Mathematics, Faculty Development, Mathematics Instruction, Thinking Skills, Case Studies
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. 1906 Association Drive, Reston, VA 20191-1502. Tel: 800-235-7566; Tel: 703-620-3702; Fax: 703-476-2970; e-mail: orders@nctm.org; Web site: http://www.nctm.org/publications/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education; Grade 3
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers: N/A

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