ERIC Number: EJ1117233
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2016-Dec
Pages: 18
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1571-0068
EISSN: N/A
Algebraic Generalization Strategies Used by Kuwaiti Pre-Service Teachers
Alajmi, Amal Hussain
International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education, v14 n8 p1517-1534 Dec 2016
This study reports on the algebraic generalization strategies used by elementary and middle/high school pre-service mathematics teachers in Kuwait. They were presented with 9 tasks that involved linear, exponential, and quadratic situations. The results showed that these pre-service teachers had difficulty in generalizing algebraic rules in all 3 types of tasks. The most difficult problems were those involving exponents; they seemed to confuse exponential growth with the multiplication of "n". Although they used several strategies such as explicit, recursive, and chunking, they tended to rely on explicit reasoning. They saw the explicit rule as a quick and easy rule to be used. In order to improve students' understanding of algebraic reasoning, we must improve the understating of generalization. Teachers' programs should put more emphasis on the type of content that teachers need to learn rather than on how much mathematics credits teachers need.
Descriptors: Algebra, Foreign Countries, Mathematics Teachers, Elementary School Teachers, Middle School Teachers, Secondary School Teachers, Generalization, Numbers, Mathematics Instruction, Mathematical Logic, Elementary School Mathematics, Secondary School Mathematics, Teacher Education, Preservice Teachers
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education; Middle Schools; Secondary Education; Junior High Schools; Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Kuwait
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A